Dangerous Offender, Obesity, is Tied to Alzheimer’s
According to a recently released study, obesity can, in addition to the many other problems it causes, increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
BMI and Beta-Amyloid
There is a strong correlation between body mass index and high levels of beta-amyloid, the protein that accretes in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Beta-amyloid likely destroys nerve cells, causing the cognitive and behavioral problems typical of the disease.
Obesity, Diabetes, Hypertension
Many of the conditions that increase heart disease risk, including obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, also increase the risk for Alzheimer’s. The precise mechanism by which they do so is still unknown.
Weight Loss Could Reduce Risk
One possible implication of these findings is that shedding excess pounds, and maintaining normal body weight, could reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
Jefferson Hospital News December 29, 2005
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