The Professional Geriatric Care Manager’s Blog

Weight Loss and Dementia

There are so many new studies related to Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia it’s sometimes difficult to know what to believe.  I read about a new study just yesterday which I found very interesting but I’m not sure that I trust the results. I do, however, think there is some merit to the findings published.

The study, which was conducted by the University of South Florida, suggests that rapid weight loss in older adults may be an early warning sign of dementia.  The study was conducted over the course of eight years and followed 1,836 Japanese Americans.

Those who participated in the study who started out with a lower body mass index (less than 18.5) were 79 percent more likely to develop dementia than those participants who were heavier.  The study also found that people who lost weight at a fast rate were almost 3 times more likely to develop dementia than those who lost weight slowly over time.  These results mirror a study published in 2006 that found women who developed dementia had a drop in their weight as early as a decade before the onset of memory loss.

So, does this mean it’s actually helpful to be overweight or obese as a means of protecting yourself against dementia?  Not so fast!!!  Previous research found that excess weight around the stomach in middle age may increase the risk of developing dementia later in life.

What to believe???  The best thing I would recommend to everyone is that anytime a loved one suffers a significant sudden weight loss it’s time to see their geriatrician or primary care physician.  And as a matter of preventative medicine and general good health I would suggest you maintain a nutritious, balanced diet, exercise regularly and engage in frequent social activities…and as we learned the other day, work for as long as you can to reduce your risk of developing dementia!

As a registered nurse and professional geriatric care manager it’s a challenge for me to keep track of all the studies and their recommendations, but I will continue to do my best to keep you informed of new developments as I become aware of them.

To find out more about this, or any other information I have posted feel free to email me at sophia@distinctivecare.net or to call our offices at (201) 857-5283.