Obesity speeds up development of Alzheimer's
Fact No. 1: More than 40% of U.S. adults are obese and almost 10% are severely obese.
Fact No. 2: Around 9 million Americans have dementia; more than 7 million of those are cases of Alzheimer's disease (AD). And the numbers are expected to double by 2060.
Turns out that these two facts are intertwined. A five-year study presented at the meeting of the Radiological Society of North America shows that blood biomarkers for AD can increase 95% faster in people with obesity compared to people who are not obese. Chronic inflammation, changes in the gut biome and metabolic dysregulation may play a role.
We know that there are a whole slew of modifiable risk factors for AD; obesity is a major one. The others include untreated vision loss, high LDL cholesterol, hearing loss, high blood pressure, smoking, depression, physical inactivity, diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, traumatic brain injury, air pollution, and social isolation and less education.
These can be modified if you embrace many of the 40 ways to reduce or eliminate your risk for dementia and Alzheimer's. Those protective actions include smart lifestyle choices such as playing speed-of-processing games, taking DHA omega-3, olive oil and coffee, and getting your annual flu shot.
You can explore all your options and learn about the most recent developments in dementia prevention, from therapeutic plasma exchange to the use of GLP-1s for weight loss, in my book "The Great Age Reboot" and integrate them into your routine by enrolling in the AI wellness coaching program offered at 4YOUngevity.com.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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