Obesity
Obesity at age 50 nearly doubles dementia risk. Weight loss in the years just before diagnosis is a sign of the disease, not protection.
A large group of people followed for years or decades. Shows a real-world link, though not proof of cause by itself.
Why it matters
Even modest weight loss (5-10%) reduces inflammation and improves blood sugar control, both of which protect the brain.
What to ask at the checkup
Ask whether a weight management plan would be appropriate
Screening: BMI calculation
Sources
Obesity trajectories and risk of dementia: 28 years of follow-up in the Whitehall II Study
Singh-Manoux A, Dugravot A, Shipley M et al.. Alzheimer's & Dementia, 2018.
Being obese at 50 almost doubled the chance of dementia decades later. The weight loss some people show near diagnosis is the disease itself, not a good sign.
Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission
Livingston G, Huntley J, Liu KY et al.. The Lancet, 2024.
Fourteen things people can change account for nearly half of dementia cases at the population level.
Routines for this factor
Step on the scale this week
Weigh in once this week and record the number.
2 min, difficulty 1/3
Take the stairs once today
Choose stairs over the elevator or escalator for one trip.
2 min, difficulty 2/3
This is research information, not medical advice. Nothing here replaces your parent's doctor.