Burgers may send you barmy
October 13, 2005
Studies have shown that obese people, with a diet high in cholesterol and saturated fats are at almost six times the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and dementia, compared to those with healthier diets.
Obesity is a growing problem today and has been linked with heard disease and diabetes, but this study was the first to explore the link between obesity and the functions of the brain.
The study followed up participants in previous studies in 1972, 1977, 1982, or 1987. The researchers discovered that the number of cases of dementia and Alzheimer's, was higher among those with a higher midlife BMI.
A total of 61 out of the 1'500 participants were diagnosed as having dementia, and 48 of them fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer’s disease. Midlife obesity, high systolic blood pressure, and high total cholesterol level were all significant risk factors for late-life dementia. Being overweight in midlife was not significantly associated with dementia later in life.
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