NeuroAscend.AI Feb 25, 2024

Dementia affects more than 5 million Americans aged 65 and older, with this number expected to triple by 2050. Growing evidence suggests that cardiovascular risk factors (such as overweight or obesity, high cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes) are significant risk factors for dementia. However, the mechanism behind the association between high adiposity and dementia risk remains uncertain. While some studies have shown an association between higher weight or body mass index (BMI) at age 50 and dementia risk, others have observed an inverse relationship in individuals aged 65 and older, termed the 'obesity paradox' in the literature. The clinical progression of dementia involves progressive decline in cognitive and functional abilities, along with various behavioral symptoms across the disease spectrum. This aims to longitudinally evaluate the relationship between dementia's clinical progression and BMI, aiming to fill an important gap in the literature. The results indicate that higher BMI in older age is associated with slower progression of functional or cognitive decline. [1]

The prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults has surged in recent decades, accompanied by a mounting body of evidence linking higher body weight or BMI to increased mortality and various medical conditions. While the regulation of body weight is intricate, engaging in physical activity (PA) generally correlates with reduced body weight or fat in younger and middle-aged adults. Conversely, among older adults, rapid weight loss may lead to adverse health outcomes, including cognitive impairment. Conflicting findings on the association between BMI and cognitive decline have been reported, highlighting the complexity of this relationship. Limited research has investigated the connection between PA and BMI in older adults, yielding inconsistent results. Our study aimed to explore the longitudinal associations between PA and BMI trajectories in community-dwelling individuals aged 50 and above. Utilizing data from the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging, we observed that PA, particularly moderate-vigorous intensity, was associated with a slower decline in BMI over time among older adults. These findings underscore the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle, including regular PA, to mitigate unhealthy weight loss in older age and advocate for its integration into clinical practice. [2]

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