Memory Problems in Old Age Caused By Obesity?

Previously, it was showed that obesity is connected to high blood pressure, diabetes, or cardiovascular diseases. However, being overweight or obese in old age is not necessary linked to memory loss, according to recent study.

The study conducted during a six year period involved almost 3,900 people over age 65 in Chicago where thirty-seven percent were overweight and twenty-five percent were obese. At the beginning of the study, the participants were given four cognitive tests and the experience repeated every three years during the study period.

The study`s results showed no significant changes for the overweight or obese subjects. In fact, underweight participants had a cognitive decline over time.

Researchers don`t know yet why being overweight is not related to cognitive decline in old age, but there is a correlation between being underweight and the initial stages of Alzheimer`s disease, according to Maureen Sturman, study author at the Rush University Medical Center.

Previous studies connected middle age obesity with increased risk to suffer from Alzheimer`s disease, but the new findings show that old age and obesity have no influence on the memory, said Sturman.

Knowing the role that body weight has on cognition may enhance the capacity to develop better health promotion recommendations for elders, according to researchers. Lifestyle guidelines that focus on cardio respiratory fitness, dietary recommendations, and increasing cognitive activity are more efficient than those for weight loss only, said Sturman.

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