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Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
Published on: February 14, 2014
The relationship between changes in body weight and cognitive function in the elderly
Yulu Zhong1,2, Bin Guo3, Yaoyao Wang1,2
1Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao, China.
International Journal of Obesity (2005)
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Moderate weight gain in adulthood is linked to a lower risk of cognitive impairment later in life. Weight loss did not show a significant increase in cognitive decline risk.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
Background:
- Cognitive function decline is a significant concern in aging populations.
- Existing research on body weight changes and cognitive abilities yields conflicting results.
- This study investigates the long-term impact of adult weight fluctuations on cognitive function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between weight changes throughout adulthood and cognitive function in older adults.
- To identify potential protective effects of weight gain on cognitive health.
- To clarify the relationship between weight stability, loss, and gain on cognitive performance.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 5097 older adults (≥60 years) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
- Recalled weight from young and middle adulthood was used to categorize participants into five weight change groups.
- Cognitive function was assessed using the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), analyzed via logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Small to moderate weight gain (≥2.5 kg and <10 kg) was associated with reduced cognitive impairment risk (OR=0.64, P=0.003).
- Moderate to substantial weight gain (≥10 kg and <20 kg) also showed a decreased risk (OR=0.61, P<0.001).
- A U-shaped relationship was observed between absolute weight change and cognitive function.
Conclusions:
- Moderate weight gain during adulthood is associated with a lower risk of cognitive impairment in later life.
- Weight loss demonstrated a non-significant trend toward an increased risk of cognitive impairment.
- Findings suggest a potential benefit of modest weight gain for maintaining cognitive health in aging individuals.
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