Belly fat could cause a loss of volume in the brain and increase the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, according to a new study. Read the full story

Obesity caused by a genetic mutation may also increase the risk of Alzheimer’s by reducing the volume of the brain, according to a new study. Read the full story

Middle-aged women with excess belly fat have an increased risk later in life of Alzheimer’s and other diseases that cause dementia, researchers claim.  The study suggests  women bigger around in the waist than in the hips have more than twice the risk of dementia compared to women with smaller midsections. Read the full story

Recent Studies Suggest Connection Between Obesity and Dementia

At one time or another, we’ve all experienced “losing our marbles.”  However, dementia is no laughing matter.

None of us can help getting older – but we can influence the condition we’re in when we arrive at our golden years. For example, we can take certain steps to reduce our risk of developing dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and other mental disabilities.

Recent data indicate that a definite link exists between obesity and its co-morbidities, and age-related impairment of brain function.

So, how big is the risk? Recent studies at the University of California-San Francisco found that in older women, obesity, high blood pressure and low levels of “good” cholesterol, or HDL, were associated with a 23% jump in risk for cognitive impairment. In another study, doctors found that obese men were also more likely to show signs of cognitive decline.

And it’s not just the overweight at risk: underweight individuals at older ages showed similar risks of developing dementia, as well.

While no one knows whether excess weight and its co-morbidities cause dementia, it’s a likely bet that being outside of a healthy weight – plus or minus – isn’t a good idea.

By keeping tabs on your diet, your weight, and your activity level today, you can up your chances of arriving at tomorrow with all your marbles in the bag.

Tune into the March 27, 2009, edition of WLS News, to learn how excess abdominal fat can affect fertility in women, and how new scientific developments may lead to a magic bullet to treat obesity. We’ll also explore the harm that obesity can cause children as young as three years old, as well as how excess weight and related co-morbidities can speed the onset of dementia.

Plus we’ll find out whether an innovative gene therapy might provide a new treatment option for adults who struggle with their weight. And reporter Yvonne McCarthy, host of WLS Journeys, will highlight a wonderful website devoted to helping women practice better self-care. Click the player below to see this week’s newscast!

Organizations mentioned in this week’s news:

• The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
• Dr. Doreen Moser, D.O., F.A.C.O.G. (Fertility Specialist)
• Centers for Disease Control
• The Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami
• Sarah E. Messiah, Ph.D.
• The University of California at Berkeley Nutritional Science & Toxicology Laboratory
• First Ourselves (self-care for women)
• Bariatric Girl (Yvonne McCarthy’s WLS support site)
• University of California-San Francisco Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease
• Ohio State University Medical Center
• FDA Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research
• Bariatric Advantage (nutritional supplements)