Obesity increases risk of dementia

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Individuals who were obese in middle age are more likely to develop dementia later on, according to a study.
It's already known that heart disease can increase the risk of dementia. And obesity, which is on the increase around the world, can increase the likelihood of heart problems. But little is known of the llnk between obesity and dementia.

Scientists at the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden, have looked into a study of heart disease risk factors in a large population group. This showed that those who were obese - rather than overweight - were more likely to develop dementia in later life. The other associated risk factors were high systolic (top figure) blood pressure and high total cholesterol. Anyone with all three risk factors was six times more likely to develop dementia than a person who had none of them.

Source
Archives of Neurology October 2005 Volume 62 pages 1556-1560

Please take a moment to give us your comments. For questions about Health matters you may check our "Questions & Answers" Portal and Service.