Body Mass Index and Decline of Cognitive Function

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Neuroscience

Background:

• The relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and cognitive function is a significant public health concern.
• Investigating obesity's impact on cognitive impairment is crucial for mid- and old-aged populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between baseline BMI and the risk of developing cognitive impairment.
• To assess how baseline BMI influences the change in cognitive function over time.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from 5,125 adults aged 45+ from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) (2006-2012).
• Employed multiple logistic regression to analyze the risk of cognitive impairment based on BMI.
• Used multiple linear regressions to assess BMI's effect on cognitive function changes.

Main Results:

• Higher baseline BMI (≥25 kg/m2) was linked to a marginally lower risk of severe cognitive impairment compared to normal weight (18.5≤BMI<23 kg/m2).
• This protective association was more pronounced in women and individuals with low-normal K-MMSE scores (24-26) at baseline.
• Obese individuals, particularly women and those with low-normal baseline scores, exhibited a slower rate of cognitive function decline.

Conclusions:

• Obesity is associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline in the mid- and old-aged population.
• Findings suggest a potential protective role of higher BMI against cognitive impairment in this demographic.