Obesity later in life will bring you a higher risk of brain decline, research suggests. A study of two hundred and fifty persons aged between sixty and seventy years found those with large waists and a high body mass index (BMI) scored more badly in cognitive tests. The Alzheimer's Society said the research add to evidence that excess body fat can influence brain function. Changes in lifestyle can help make a difference, it was observed.
The study examined the cognitive performance and the relationship between fat content in adults aged sixty years and above. The participants for the research were asked to undergo a mental test, measurement of waist circumference, a scan of abdominal fat, and BMI - a computation based on a ratio of weight to height. Both high levels of abdominal fat and a high BMI were associated with reduced cognitive presentation in adults aged between sixty and seventy years.
For persons aged seventy and above, abdominal fat, waist circumference and high BMI, were not related with low cognitive performance. The findings of the study have important implications on public health. For the prevention of dementia or cognitive decline, the prevention of obesity, particularly central obesity might be important. The research hints that a high BMI could also be bad for the head while we have all along heard that it is bad for our hearts.
Even though we do not know if the people of this study were to develop dementia, these findings give credence to the evidence that excess body fat may affect the brain. One out of three people over sixty five years may die with dementia, but still there are certain things people can do to cut their risk. Getting cholesterol levels and blood pressure checked, exercising to maintain weight and a balanced diet can bring a difference to life. 
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