Tag Archives: Alzheimer’s disease

Obesity will lead to increase in dementia

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Ever-growing waistlines could result in a big increase in the number of people who develop dementia in the future, researchers have warned.

Previous studies have shown that being overweight in middle age increases the odds of developing the mental disorder.

Data presented at the European Congress on Obesity suggests stemming the rise in obesity will cut dementia.

The Alzheimer’s Society charity said regular exercise and a healthy weight were important for reducing risk.

Piling on too many pounds is known to be bad for the body, but there is growing evidence that it is also bad for the mind.

Nobody knows exactly what causes dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease, but body weight appears to be a risk factor.

One study of 8,500 Swedish twins showed that those with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30, who are classified as obese, were almost four times as likely to develop dementia as those with a normal BMI.

Even those who were clinically overweight, a BMI between 25 and 30, were 71% more likely to develop dementia.

Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s

In England 24% of men and 26% of women are obese.

Researchers from the UK Health Forum used computer models to compare what would happen if obesity rates stayed the same or increased to 46% of men and 31% of women by 2050, which has been predicted by some groups.


They said rates of dementia would go from 4,894 cases in every 100,000 people over 65 to 6,662 cases in every 100,000 people over 65.

Keeping obesity levels constant would save around £940m in dementia care, the study predicted.

Tim Marsh of UK Health Forum said: “We’ve known for a long time about the risks to cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, type 2 diabetes, so this is a new concern.

“Obesity is a major concern that’s going to have a major economic impact on the country and this further compounds that.

“The trouble is there’s a 25-year lag in this. Obesity started increasing in the 80s.”

Jessica Smith, a research officer at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “It’s easy to see the immediate impact of piling on the pounds, but we can’t afford to ignore the long-term effects.

“Evidence shows that obesity increases the risk of developing dementia. This study highlights the impact obesity will have on the numbers of people with the condition in the future.

She added that “maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly – especially in midlife – are hugely important in reducing your risk”.

Spot the signs of Alzheimer’s disease

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Seeing a friend or family member after a gap, you may notice they don’t seem as mentally sharp as they were: what should you do?

When you catch up with friends and relatives you haven’t seen in a while you might compliment them if they’ve lost weight or have a new hairstyle, but what would you do if you spotted a significant change in their behaviour and wellbeing since you last saw them? What if they’re struggling to follow a conversation or TV programme, or even forgetting who you are? Should you just put it down to them getting older, or could it be a sign they’re unwell?

The Government launched a multimillion pound national campaign to increase early dementia diagnosis, to help families spot the early signs and avoid a ‘crisis point’. There isn’t a cure for dementia but if diagnosed early, it can be treated and those affected can lead a better quality of life, taking part in normal day-to-day activities and enjoying prolonged independence.

So what are some of the early symptoms to look out for in a loved one?

*Struggling to remember recent events, although they can easily recall things that happened in the past
*Finding it hard to follow conversations or programmes on TV
*Forgetting the names of friends or everyday objects
*Difficulty recalling things they have heard, seen or read
*Repeating themselves or losing the thread of what they are saying

Alzheimer's

Alzheimer’s

*Having problems thinking and reasoning
*Feeling anxious, depressed or angry about their memory loss
*Finding that other people start to comment on their memory loss
*Feeling confused even when in a familiar environment


If you notice these symptoms you should encourage your relative or friend to visit their GP as early as possible. It can be difficult to raise the issue of dementia with a loved one, but it really is worth doing because early diagnosis means patients can receive appropriate treatment earlier and can get care and support to ensure they are able to live well.

Professor Alistair Burns, the National Clinical Director for Dementia says: “Choose a time when you are both relaxed and open to a frank conversation. Make sure you have the chat in a comfortable place where you can talk openly and where there are no other distractions. You could use specific examples of things you are concerned about to help your loved one understand your worries and explain you are bringing the topic up because you think there could be a medical explanation and it could be something that can be treated and managed. “Remember to keep calm and if the person isn’t receptive to what you’re saying suggest you talk about it again the next time you see them or speak to them.”