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Adiposity and Alzheimer's disease
José A Luchsinger1, Deborah R Gustafson
1Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA. jal94@columbia.edu
Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care
|December 6, 2008
Summary
High adiposity, particularly central adiposity, is linked to increased Alzheimer's disease risk. Waist circumference may be a better predictor than BMI, and weight loss can precede dementia diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia with no known cure.
- Global trends show rising rates of overweight and obesity.
- Adiposity, both total and central, is increasingly implicated in Alzheimer's disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence linking adiposity to Alzheimer's disease.
- To highlight the public health significance of this association.
Main Methods:
- Review of salient publications from 2007-2008.
- Analysis of epidemiological data on adiposity and dementia.
Main Results:
- Central adiposity in middle age predicts dementia later in life.
- Waist circumference may be a stronger predictor of dementia than BMI.
- Lower BMI and weight loss in older adults can precede dementia diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- High adiposity poses a significant risk for Alzheimer's disease.
- Managing adiposity could be a strategy for Alzheimer's disease prevention.
- Further research is needed on weight loss management in Alzheimer's patients.
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