Losing Weight Could Prevent Dementia and Memory Loss in Middle Age

29 Mar 2016 --- New research claims that losing weight could help boost brain functionality later in life.

The study, published in April’s Neurobiology of Ageing journal, linked obesity to reduction in brain function due to “grey matter alterations” and showed those with a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) suffered greater memory loss in old age. 
 
The University of Leipzig, Germany, looked at the effect of being overweight on the brain function of 617 people. 

When subjects were asked to memorize groups of words and produce lists of common objects overweight people were less able. 

A healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. The study looked at people aged between 60 and 79 with an average BMI of 27.5 (ranging from 16.8 to 41.4). 

The study concluded that a higher BMI is linked to a lower volume of grey brain cells particularly in the region of the brain responsible for memory. 

The researchers state: “Midlife obesity has been associated with increased dementia risk, yet reports on brain structure and function are mixed.”

“We showed that a higher BMI in older adults is associated with widespread grey matter alterations, irrespective of obesity-related comorbidities and other confounders. Our results further indicate that a higher BMI induces structural alterations that translate into subtle impairments in memory performance in ageing.” 

The report claims excessive weight could trigger tiny “microbleeds” and a reduction in oxygen flow to the brain. 

It also notes that raised blood glucose, associated with a higher BMI, can have negative effects on brain function and structure. 

Excess adipose tissue, laid down during weight gain, alters fat metabolism and hormone production – which also affects memory. 

It revealed excess weight is directly linked to dementia independently of other obesity-related problems like diabetes and high blood pressure. 

The Alzheimer’s Society predicts that by 2025 there will be around one million Brits with dementia.

Dr Clare Walton, research manager at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “This fairly large study finds a link between increased BMI and a reduction in the size of some parts of the brain, and suggests these changes contribute to poorer memory.” 

“The best advice for maintaining brain health into your later years is a healthy balanced diet, don’t smoke and exercise regularly.”