Obesity gene may be associated with dementia

Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, generated 3D maps of over 200 healthy elderly people's brains and found a pattern of diminished brain volume in people with a specific DNA sequence within the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene.

Alzheimer's Society comment,

'We've known for some time that there's a link between obesity in mid life and the development of Alzheimer's disease. However this study suggests that healthy people who carry a specific DNA sequence associated with obesity could be at a greater risk of developing dementia. A reduction in people's brain tissue was observed but this wasn't linked to other obesity-related factors such as cholesterol levels, diabetes or high blood pressure.

'This is a relatively small study but the findings support the need for more research. One million people will develop dementia in the next 10 years but dementia research is desperately under-funded, however with the right investment, it can be defeated.'

Dr Susanne Sorensen
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society

Research reference: April Ho et al, University of California, Los Angeles, 'A commonly carried allele of the obesity-related FTO gene is associated with reduced brain volume in healthy elderly'. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, April 2010.

Further Information

• Staying healthy factsheet
• Eating well factsheet