Similar brain changes are observed in individuals with obesity and those with Alzheimer's disease, according to a recent analysis. The study, published on January 31, 2023, in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, involved a review of brain scans from over 1,300 participants. Among them were 341 individuals with Alzheimer's, 341 individuals with obesity, and 682 individuals without either condition. The scans revealed comparable thinning in brain regions associated with learning, memory, and judgment in both the Alzheimer's and obesity groups. While cognitive tests taken by obese participants, defined as having a body mass index of 30 or higher, did not show evident mental deficits, the researchers acknowledged that these tests might not capture subtle changes in thinking abilities related to brain alterations.
It is important to note that this study was observational and cannot establish a causal relationship between obesity and the shrinkage of brain regions. However, previous research has also indicated a connection between obesity and other brain changes like damage to blood vessels and the accumulation of abnormal proteins. The authors of the study suggest that individuals with obesity might be able to mitigate cognitive decline by moving towards a healthier weight.
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