Dementia and obesity

'In an important and topical study published in the BMJ Online, Dr Whitmer reports a significant link between dementia and obesity. In a study of more than 10,000 people assessed initially in the mid 1960s and early 1970s, obesity was associated with a more than 70% increased risk of dementia 25-30 years later. This is a striking observation in the context of recent concerns regarding the growing problems of obesity in the UK.

The findings are consistent with previous studies showing that risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, are also risk factors for dementia; and it is likely that the association between obesity and dementia is explained by the increased frequency of these other risks in people who are substantially overweight.

Given that the number of people with dementia is already increasing dramatically as our population ages, it will be extremely important to minimize additional preventable risk factors such as obesity. The findings also build on an accumulating body of evidence emphasizing that a healthy lifestyle can help to reduce the risks of dementia.'

Professor Clive Ballard
Director of research