Obesity Linked to Alzheimer's Disease

By Dr. Christian Chatzoglou

As obesity rates continue to climb among all age groups in Canada, we are now beginning to see an increase of chronic illness as a direct result this current obesity epidemic.

Studies have shown that increases in health markers typically associated with obesity (waist circumference, belly fat, high blood pressure and cholesterol) are now directly related to developing dementia and Alzheimer's as we age.

Scientists have long reported that the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and dementia increase directly with rising obesity rates. Now, new reports are surfacing that age-related decline in mental function and Alzheimer's disease may also be related to obesity.

Simon Ridley, of Alzheimer's Research UK states: "Obesity in midlife is a risk factor for dementia and these projections suggest that rising obesity in the UK could contribute to growing levels of dementia over the coming decades. Dementia already has an enormous impact on individuals, families and communities and it is concerning to see that this could become even greater than previously predicted."

As it turns out, what used to be thought of as normal, age-related mental decline, might simply be a side-effect of weight gain and obesity during middle age.

While it is still unclear exactly how obesity affects the brain, one theory suggests that proteins released by fatty tissues can travel across the blood-brain barrier and damage susceptible brain cells. Some have even begun to label this effect as Type 3 Diabetes, however more research still needs to be done.

Fortunately, there are steps that one can take to control obesity and improve mental function as we age.

In the past few years, there have been a number of studies that have shown the positive effects of diet and weight control on Alzheimer's and dementia.

There's evidence that adopting a Mediterranean style diet consisting primarily of vegetables, fruit, nuts, and lean meats such as fish, can reduce the incidence of age-related dementia and Alzheimer's by as much as 60%.

Keep in mind that simply losing weight is not necessarily the solution. Adopting healthy lifestyle practices such as diet and exercise are the key to healthy weight loss and potentially reversing chronic illness.

The fact remains, that when it comes to obesity, there is never a better time to begin losing weight and reclaiming your health. It's becoming more and more clear that lifestyle factors that promote and build health, have a far reaching effect into our later years.

Dr. Chris Chatzoglou is a chiropractor in Vancouver, BC, freelance writer and natural health expert specializing in nutrition and fitness.
For more information on this and other natural health topics, visit my website at www.drchrischatzoglou.com.

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