Rise In Obesity Could Be A Dementia Time Bomb Waiting To Happen

Researchers have warned that there could be a direct link between middle age weight gain and dementia.

Nobody knows exactly what causes dementias such as Alzheimer's disease, but body weight appears to be a high risk factor. A study of 8,500 Swedish twins this year showed that those with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30, who are classified as obese, were almost four times as likely to develop dementia as those with a more normal BMI. Even those who were clinically overweight, a BMI between 25 and 30, were 71% more likely to develop dementia.

So when you focus on this country, in England 24% of men and 26% of women are currently classified as obese. Researchers from the UK Health Forum used computer models to compare what would happen if obesity rates stayed the same or increased to 46% of men and 31% of women by 2050, which has been predicted by some groups. They said rates of dementia would go from 4,894 cases in every 100,000 people over 65 to 6,662 cases in every 100,000 people over 65. Keeping obesity levels down to current levels would save around £940m in dementia care, the study predicted.

Tim Marsh of UK Health Forum said: "We've known for a long time about the risks to cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, type 2 diabetes, so this is a new concern" and surely another reason for people to try and keep their weight down. "Obesity is a major concern that's going to have a major economic impact on the country and this further compounds that."

The trouble is there's a 25-year lag in this. Obesity started increasing in the 1980's, and the number of cases have been increasing since then, Jessica Smith, a research officer at Alzheimer's Society, said: "It's easy to see the immediate impact of piling on the pounds, but we can't afford to ignore the long-term effects. The impact of care provision needed to look after the extra dementia patient's would push the NHS to breaking point."

The researchers concluded by saying "Evidence shows that obesity increases the risk of developing dementia. This study highlights the impact obesity will have on the numbers of people with the condition in the future. She added that "maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly - especially in midlife - are hugely important in reducing your risk".

Just another reason to live a healthier lifestyle.

Comments? Questions? Email Here

© HowtoAdvice.com