Some obesity-related brain changes similar to those with Alzheimer's

Some brain changes in people with obesity appear similar to those that occur in people with Alzheimer's disease, a new analysis suggests.

For the study, published online Jan. 31, 2023, by the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, researchers reviewed brain scans from more than 1,300 people: 341 people with Alzheimer's — the most common cause of dementia — and 341 people with obesity, as well as 682 people without either condition. In people with either Alzheimer's or obesity, the scans revealed similar thinning in brain regions responsible for learning, memory, and judgment. Cognitive tests taken by participants with obesity — defined as a body mass index of 30 or higher — did not reveal clear mental deficits, but the researchers noted that these tests might not detect small changes in thinking ability related to brain changes.

The study was observational, meaning it can't prove obesity causes brain regions to shrink. But earlier studies have also found a link between other brain changes, such as blood vessel damage and a buildup of abnormal proteins, and obesity. People with obesity may be able to stem cognitive decline if they get closer to a healthy weight, study authors said.

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