I was reading the paper on a flight for work the other day and noticed an interesting article. A new study has established a link between belly fat in middle-age and dementia later in life.
Dementia is a condition that involves a loss of memory and other cognitive functions. It is related to age and usually appears later in life. Roughly 5.7 million Americans – about one in ten people over 65 – have some form of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form, representing about 70 percent of dementia cases.
The study, led by Kaiser Permanente's Division of Research, involved 6,583 people. The results of the study showed a correlation between larger guts and a greater chance of forgetfulness and dementia. The participants with the largest stomachs in their 40s were more than twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia in their 70s, compared with those with the leanest.
The 6,583 participants were members of Kaiser Permanente of Northern California. They voluntarily had their belly fat calculated between 1964 and 1973. Then, between 1994 and 2006, the participants were screened for forms of dementia.
A large stomach increases the risk even among people who are not overweight. Rachel Whitmer, one of the research scientists leading the study, said, “A large belly, independent of total weight, is a potent predictor of dementia.”
The results of the study also indicate that waist size presents more of a risk for dementia than family history.
Are you looking to start eating and living healthier? Take a look at some tips for eating healthy and living healthy.
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Link Between Belly Fat and Dementia
I have personally seen the high costs and inner workings of the health care system. My best friend was in a coma for 12 days and had brain surgery. My mom battled leukemia for 10 months and passed away in February of 2007. I know firsthand that our health care system is in dire need of change and am personally dedicated to working to bring about that change.
I am the Online Community Manager for Trusera. Previously, I was the content manager for the Qvisory Health blog. I live with my wife, dog, and two cats in Seattle, WA.
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