Researchers in Sweden studied the relationship between body mass index and brain atrophy (loss of brain tissue) in 290 women. The women were born between 1908 and 1922 and had four follow-up examinations between 1968 and 1992. During the final exam, they had a computed tomography (CT) scan to measure for any loss of brain tissue. Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat that shows weight adjusted for height. Overweight is a BMI of 25 to 30 kg/m2. Obesity is a BMI of 30 kg/m2 and above.

An overweight or obese BMI was linked to a loss of tissue specifically in the temporal lobe. Nearly 50 percent (144) of the women had temporal atrophy. At the time of CT scan, their body mass index was an average of 27 kg/m2, which was 1.1 to 1.5 kg/m2 higher than the women without brain atrophy. Overall the women's BMI increased over the 24-year period, but the increase was greater for those who lost tissue in the temporal lobe. The risk of atrophy increased 13 to 16 percent per 1.0 kg/m2 increase in BMI.

"This study indicates that a high BMI is a risk factor for dementia in women. Other studies have reported similar findings," said Deborah Gustafson, PhD, of Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gteborg, Sweden and also the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. "Obesity is another factor that should be actively intervened upon to reduce diseases of advanced aging."

The researchers didn't pinpoint a reason why obesity leads to brain atrophy. They said there are several possible mechanisms.

"Obesity is related to ischemia, hypertension, and cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases. These conditions contribute to an unhealthy vascular system, and t
'"/>

Contact: Marilee Reu
mreu@aan.com
651-695-2789
American Academy of Neurology
22-Nov-2004