Being Slim During The Middle Age Can Increase Chances Of Dementia

The risk of dementia is higher among individuals who are underweight during the middle age, a study suggests. A group of researchers found that individuals aged 40-60 who had a body mass index (BMI) of less than 20 are 34 percent more likely to develop dementia 15 years later, compared to those who had a normal body weight during the said ages.

Study co-author Dr Nawab Qizilbash, a clinical epidemiologist and the head of OXON Epidemiology, a research organization in London states that the rationale behind this clinical finding is unclear and requires further investigation. However, he mentions that several factors such as diet, exercise, weight and lack of Vitamins D and E, may contribute to the results of the study.

The study, which was recently published online in the journal The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology conducted the study by reviewing the health information of approximately two million individuals aged 40 years old and above in the U.K. As per analysis, the researchers found that nearly 46,000 of these participants were diagnosed with dementia during the follow-up study 20 years later.

Interestingly, the team also found that being obese or overweight may actually protect the brain. In support to this, the study explains that individuals who were at their heaviest during the middle age or had a BMI of 40 and above, have a 29 percent decreased risk of developing dementia, compared to those who have a normal BMI. "Contrary to the prevailing -- but not unanimous -- view, people who are overweight or obese in middle age appear not to be at higher risk of dementia in old age," Qizilbash told Live Science.

Qizilbash also mentions that despite their efforts of finding an exact explanation regarding the relationship of being underweight and dementia, the team is yet to determine an answer. He further explains that the study shall continue and that the next step is to investigate the link between weight changes and dementia. Furthermore, he expresses interest in analysing the positive impact of being overweight to brain-protective mechanisms. Qizilbash closes by saying that more research is warranted to explain how weight can affect dementia risks.

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