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High BMI May Speed Cognitive Decline
3 Nov
Summary
- Higher BMI associated with faster cognitive decline in adults.
- Cognitive decline was more rapid with every one-point BMI increase.
- Weight control may help maintain brain health late in life.
A comprehensive 24-year study involving over 8,200 adults aged 50 and older has revealed a significant association between increased body mass index (BMI) and accelerated cognitive decline. The research, published in the Journal of Neurology, indicates that higher BMIs correlate with faster deterioration in memory, concentration, and executive functions.
This association was particularly pronounced in individuals over 65 years of age. The study observed that for every one-point rise in BMI, cognitive performance showed a measurable decline. Researchers noted that the strongest link appeared around the eighth year of the study.
While the findings do not definitively prove causation, they suggest that weight management could play a role in preserving brain health. Theories propose that obesity-induced inflammation, poor blood circulation, and insulin resistance may negatively impact brain function over time.
However, the study authors caution that BMI is a limited measure of health and more research is needed. Nevertheless, controlling body weight may offer benefits for cognitive health as part of a healthy aging strategy.
