for eMaxHealthWhile obesity has been shown to contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes, being overweight in old age does not lead to memory problems.
The six year study involved over 3800 participants over the age of 65 from three neighborhoods on the south side of Chicago: Morgan Park, Beverly, and Washington Heights. Of the participants, nearly 25 percent were obese with a body mass index (BMI) over 30, and 37 percent were overweight with a BMI between 25 and 29.9. Four cognitive tests were given at the beginning of the study and every three years thereafter over the six year period.
The study found that being overweight or obese was not associated with significant changes in memory or cognitive function relative to individuals with normal weight. In fact, participants who were underweight had more cognitive decline over time.