Systematic analysis of associations between obesity and memory decline
Ying Yue Huang1,2, Wei Sen Zhang3,4, Jiao Wang1,2
1School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
Geroscience
|June 9, 2025
Summary
Central obesity, particularly waist-to-hip-to-height ratio (WHHR), is linked to poorer memory and faster cognitive decline in older adults. Higher education may mitigate these effects, suggesting a complex relationship between obesity, education, and memory.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Epidemiology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- Obesity is a growing public health concern with various indicators.
- The relationship between specific obesity measures and cognitive function, particularly memory, requires further clarification.
- Education level may influence the association between obesity and cognitive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the associations of 20 different obesity indicators with memory function in middle-aged and older adults.
- To investigate potential interactions between obesity indicators and education level concerning memory.
- To utilize two-sample Mendelian randomization (2SMR) to explore causal links between obesity and cognitive performance.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of associations between 20 obesity indicators and memory (Delayed Word Recall Test - DWRT) using linear regression and stratification in the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study.
- Assessment of memory function at baseline, follow-up, and rate of decline.
- Application of two-sample Mendelian randomization (2SMR) to examine genetic associations between obesity and cognitive performance.
Main Results:
- Several obesity indicators, notably central obesity measured by waist-to-hip-to-height ratio (WHHR) z-score, were significantly associated with poorer memory function and faster memory decline.
- The negative impact of obesity on memory was less pronounced in individuals with higher education levels.
- 2SMR analysis indicated negative associations between body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and BMI-adjusted waist-to-hip ratio with cognitive performance.
Conclusions:
- Obesity, especially central obesity (WHHR), is associated with impaired memory function and accelerated memory decline in middle-aged and older populations.
- Higher educational attainment may attenuate the detrimental effects of obesity on memory.
- These findings highlight the importance of managing central obesity for cognitive health preservation in aging populations.
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