Dye, L orcid.org/0000-0002-2331-4227, Boyle, NB, Champ, C et al. (1 more author) (2017) The relationship between obesity and cognitive health and decline. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 76 (4). pp. 443-454. ISSN 0029-6651
Abstract
The relationship between obesity and cognitive impairment is important given the globally ageing population in whom cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders will carry grave individual, societal and financial burdens. This review examines the evidence for the link between obesity and cognitive function in terms of both the immediate effects on cognitive performance, and effects on the trajectory of cognitive ageing and likelihood of dementia. In mid-life, there is a strong association between obesity and impaired cognitive function. Anthropometric measures of obesity are also associated with reduced neural integrity (e.g. grey and white matter atrophy). Increasing age coupled with the negative metabolic consequences of obesity (e.g. type 2 diabetes mellitus) are likely to significantly contribute to cognitive decline and incidence of dementia. Stress is identified as a potential risk factor promoting abdominal obesity and contributing to impaired cognitive function. However, the potentially protective effects of obesity against cognitive decline in older age require further examination. Finally, surgical and whole diet interventions, which address obesity may improve cognitive capacity and confer some protection against later cognitive decline. In conclusion, obesity and its comorbidities are associated with impaired cognitive performance, accelerated cognitive decline and neurodegenerative pathologies such as dementia in later life. Interventions targeting mid-life obesity may prove beneficial in reducing the cognitive risks associated with obesity.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
---|---|
Authors/Creators: |
|
Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © The Authors 2017. This article has been published in a revised form in Proceedings of the Nutrition Society [https://doi.org/10.1017/S0029665117002014]. This version is free to view and download for private research and study only. Not for re-distribution, re-sale or use in derivative works. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Keywords: | Obesity; Dementia; Cognitive performance; Cognitive decline |
Dates: |
|
Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Medicine and Health (Leeds) > School of Psychology (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 18 Sep 2017 10:57 |
Last Modified: | 11 Sep 2018 00:38 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Cambridge University Press |
Identification Number: | 10.1017/S0029665117002014 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:121287 |