Alzheimer’s Society comment on research into abdominal obesity and risk of dementia published in Journal of the American Academy of Neurology

This new study highlights that having a large abdomen, regardless of weight, also significantly increases your risk.
 
This is an important piece of research but the results are not that surprising as a large stomach is associated with high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes - all major risk factors for dementia.
 
We are learning more and more that what is good for your heart is also good for your brain. One in three people over 65 will die with dementia, a stark fact that should prompt us all to try to challenge dementia by keeping healthy.

Professor Clive Ballard
Director of research

Full study available on request

Note to editors:

• Alzheimer's Society is the leading care and research charity for people with all forms dementia and their carers. It provides information and education, support for carers, and quality day and home care. It funds medical and scientific research and campaigns for improved health and social services and greater public understanding of dementia.
• The Alzheimer's Society provides a national help line on 0845 3000 336 and website http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/. Please include this information in any publication that uses these comments.

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