Obesity in Middle Age Raises Risk of Alzheimer’s

April 11th, 2006

Recent evidence shows that being overweight in one’s 40s contributes to Alzheimer’s disease and similar brain dementias later in life. Other contributing factors are diabetes and cardiovascular disease, but fat itself appears to play an important role in brain impairment.

This new evidence concerning obesity and brain function was presented in April at the American Academy of Neurology in San Diego, CA. Study author Rachel A. Whitmer, a research scientist at Kaiser Permanente of Northern California, reported on her findings as part of a larger study of 9,000 Kaiser patients who were followed for 30 years.

Study participants submitted to measurements of thickness of skin folds both below the shoulder and at the back of the upper arm. Individuals with the thickest shoulder measurements were found to be almost three times as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease as those who had less thickness in these areas.

Maria Carrillo of the Alzheimer’s Association suggested that overweight people are often more sedentary. As a result, their arteries can become clogged and restrict blood flow. Healthy eating and exercise can contribute to healthy brain functioning, she indicated.

In 2006, 4.5 million Americans have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Risk rises as people age. By 2050, with longevity increasing, the number is expected to increase to 16 million persons with the brain disease.

Sources:  MedicineNet.com; Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente of Northern California 

Entry Filed under: Alzheimer's,OBESITY