People who are ‘skinny fat’ may be at a higher risk of dementia: Looking slender but having a high percentage body fat reduces memories and self control, study finds
- Known as sarcopenic obesity, it also lowers people’s orientation skills
- Excess weight drives cognitive decline via inflammation and vessel damage
- Researchers warn elderly people who are skinny fat may be a health concern
- At-risk people should be targeted to prevent them suffering cognitive decline
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People who are ‘skinny fat’ may be at a higher risk of dementia, new research suggests.
Known as sarcopenic obesity, having a slender look but a high percentage body fat is associated with reduced memory, self control and orientation skills, a US study found.
A high percentage body fat is thought to drive cognitive decline by causing inflammation and damage to the brain’s blood vessels.
Researchers warn high-fat levels and decreasing muscle mass in people who look healthy could become a serious public health concern.
People who are ‘skinny fat’ may be at a higher risk of dementia, new research suggests (stock)
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How the research was carried out
The researchers, from Florida Atlantic University, analysed 353 people with an average age of 69.
The participants’ body compositions were assessed by measuring their muscle mass, BMI and percentage body fat.
Their cognitive abilities were analysed via memory, learning, concentration and attention tests.
The findings were published in the journal Clinical Interventions in Aging.
At-risk people should be targeted
Study author Dr James Galvin said: ‘Sarcopenia has been linked to global cognitive impairment and dysfunction in specific cognitive skills including memory, speed and executive functions.’ Sarcopenia is the gradual loss of muscle mass.
He added: ‘Understanding the mechanisms through which this syndrome may affect cognition is important as it may inform efforts to prevent cognitive decline in later life by targeting at-risk groups with an imbalance between lean and fat mass.
‘They may benefit from programs addressing loss of cognitive function by maintaining and improving strength and preventing obesity.’
WHAT IS DEMENTIA? THE KILLER DISEASE THAT ROBS SUFFERERS OF THEIR MEMORIES
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of neurological disorders
A GLOBAL CONCERN
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of progressive neurological disorders, that is, conditions affecting the brain.
There are many different types of dementia, of which Alzheimer’s disease is the most common.
Some people may have a combination of types of dementia.
Regardless of which type is diagnosed, each person will experience their dementia in their own unique way.
Dementia is a global concern but it is most often seen in wealthier countries, where people are likely to live into very old age.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED?
The Alzheimer’s Society reports there are more than 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK today, of which more than 500,000 have Alzheimer’s.
It is estimated that the number of people living with dementia in the UK by 2025 will rise to over 1 million.
In the US, it’s estimated there are 5.5 million Alzheimer’s sufferers. A similar percentage rise is expected in the coming years.
As a person’s age increases, so does the risk of them developing dementia.
Rates of diagnosis are improving but many people with dementia are thought to still be undiagnosed.
IS THERE A CURE?
Currently there is no cure for dementia.
But new drugs can slow down its progression and the earlier it is spotted the more effective treatments are.
Source: Dementia UK
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