Mid-life obesity increases dementia risk

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

People who are overweight or obese in middle life have an increased risk of developing dementia later on.
Both obesity and dementia are on the increase, with major public health implications. Now a study suggests a link between the two. Researchers in California have used skinfold measurements to check for overweight and obesity in over 10,000 residents aged 40 to 45 between 1964 and 1973.

During follow up, seven per cent of the group were diagnosed with dementia. Those who were obese were 74 per cent more likely to develop dementia and those who were overweight 35 per cent more likely. This was compared to those of normal weight. The risk was more pronounced among women. This is the first time that a link between obesity and dementia has been shown and it is independent of the presence of other health problems.

Source
BMJ Online First 28th April 2005