Obesity can cause changes in the brain similar to those seen in Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new study.
The trouble link was discovered in a study of more than 1,300 people
Scientists at the Montreal Neurological Institute (affiliated with McGill University) conducted the study and the results have just been published in the journal Journal of Alzheimer’s EASYsick.
When analyzing brain scans of more than 1,300 people, the researchers noticed similar patterns of “brain atrophy” between patients with Alzheimer’s disease and others classified as “obese.” Specifically, they found that both groups experienced “widespread reductions in cortical thickness” in brain regions that affect learning, memory and judgment.
Notably, these similarities were not observed in other patients classified as “thin”.
Researchers believe ‘Excess weight management’ could help reduce the risk of ‘obesity-related gray matter atrophy’
As a result of the study, the researchers eventually found that “obesity-associated gray matter atrophy resembles that of [Alzheimer’s disease].”
In addition, they also note that “control of excess weight” has the potential to reduce the risk of this disease. This finding seems to build on previous research that showed that people who are overweight may develop Alzheimer’s at a younger age.
“Our study confirms that obesity-related gray matter atrophy resembles AD. Managing excess weight can lead to improved health outcomes, slow aging-related cognitive decline, and reduce the risk of AD.”
So while much is still unknown about Alzheimer’s disease, it seems that practicing healthier lifestyle choices and controlling weight may help reduce the risk of developing similar symptoms.
In fact, the researchers note: “Our results highlight the importance of weight loss interventions and metabolic risk factors in middle-aged obese and overweight individuals. adolescents to reduce the risk of neurodegeneration and dementia later in the community”.
However, as Linda Van Horn—dean of the department of nutrition at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine—says NBC News, weight loss may not reverse the damage that has already occurred. After all, “there are some points of no return.”
“Unfortunately, we are increasingly discovering that there are certain points of no return. I believe, based on examples like osteoporosis, the chance of reversing this disease is lower than the chance of preserving what is already there.”
What do you think of these findings?
