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6 December 2004
Long-Term Obesity Linked To Dementia 
Researchers in Sweden have been studying the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and brain atrophy (the loss of brain tissue) and found that women who are obese throughout life are more likely to lose brain tissue. The study - appearing in Neurology - indicates that there is a correlation between obesity and cognitive decline. "This study indicates that a high BMI is a risk factor for dementia in women. Other studies have reported similar findings," said Deborah Gustafson, of Sahlgrenska Hospital in Sweden. "Obesity is another factor that should be actively intervened upon to reduce diseases of advanced aging." An overweight or obese BMI was linked to a loss of tissue specifically in the temporal lobe. The researchers didn't pinpoint a reason why obesity leads to brain atrophy but said there are several possible mechanisms. "Obesity is related to ischemia, hypertension, and cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases. These conditions contribute to an unhealthy vascular system, and therefore, to a higher dementia risk," said Gustafson. "Obesity may also increase the secretion of cortisol, which could lead to atrophy."
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