Obesity in old age tied to increased Alzheimer's risk

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Obesity in old age tied to increased Alzheimer's risk

Link found for women aged 70

 

Study tracked people for 18 years

 

ROB STEIN

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

 

WASHINGTON—Overweight, elderly women are more likely than those who stay trim to be stricken by Alzheimer's disease, researchers reported yesterday, presenting the first strong evidence linking the burgeoning weight crisis with the increasingly common brain affliction.

 

While previous studies had raised the possibility that excess flab may increase the risk of dementia, a new study that followed several hundred elderly Swedish people for 18 years clearly showed that women who were heavy at age 70 were markedly more likely to get Alzheimer's in their 80s.

 

...

 

Being overweight may increase the risk by raising blood pressure and narrowing arteries, restricting blood flow to the brain, Gustafson said.

 

WASHINGTON POST

 

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