Work

Does Obesity Increase the Risk of Dementia: A Literature Review

Year: 2018

Type: review

Abstract: Obesity and dementia are both associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and underlying neurodegenerative changes. Review articles provide evidential support that obesity and dementia result in an early old-age memory crisis. Obesity triggering vascular dementia decreases not only blood supply to the brain, but also increases fat cells that damage the brain white matter leading to loss of cognitive and intellectual behaviour. Adipocyte-secreted proteins and inflammatory cytokines explain the association between obesity and increased risk of dementia. Late-life elevated body mass index (BMI) confers a lower risk of having dementia. The hormone leptin explained the mechanism for the reverse association. Future studies need to reveal the linkage between adiposity and excess risk of dementia and AD.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.2660

Authors: Ibrar Anjum, Muniba Fayyaz, Abdullah Wajid, Wafa Sohail, Asad Ali

Institutions: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, CMH Lahore Medical College and Institute of Dentistry, Dow University of Health Sciences, FMH College of Medicine & Dentistry, Fatima Memorial Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W2804146586