They associate Alzheimer's disease with overweight and obesity at an early age

by: Notimex – November 1, 2018, 14:19

Mexico (Notimex) .- Having Overweight or obesity at the beginning of life, such as in childhood and adolescence, predisposes three to six times more risk of dementia and diseases such as illness. Alzheimer's in the elderly, as revealed by a study.

Emma Adriana Chávez Manzanera, endocrinologist of the National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán (INCMNSZ), warns that the cognitive deterioration caused by the development of neurodegenerative diseases is linked to the presence of metabolic syndrome, diabetes and of obesity

According to the information agency of the National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT), the expert evaluates the cognitive abilities of the population under 55 years old suffering from obesity and pupil neurocognitive evaluation before and after the beginning of a comprehensive treatment of weight loss.

"Early diagnosis at an early stage is the key to avoiding an increase in the incidence of diagnosis in these neurodegenerative diseases," said expert at the Obesity and Disorders Clinic. the nutrition of the department of endocrinology and metabolism. institute

This study is the first of its kind and seeks to confirm that overweight or obesity in the early stages of life predisposes to the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease in the elderly.

"The literature mentions that obesity at middle age is associated with neurological damage related to Alzheimer's disease, and gives information on the importance of maintaining a healthy weight as early as early stages, thus contributing to a protective effect, "said the endocrinologist.

In experimental studies, leptin and insulin (hormones released by adipose tissue and pancreas) have a direct effect on the brain, which improves synaptogenesis, neurogenesis, as well as neuronal growth and proliferation, but in the presence of overweight or obesity. There is some degree of resistance to leptin and insulin in the central nervous system, resulting in a reduction in the neuroprotective effect, he explained.

Therefore, the goal of this study is to observe the relationship between body weight and cognitive functioning, and to record the patient's response to a multidisciplinary weight loss program that, in addition to focusing on the diet, physical activity and the treatment of medical comorbidities, also assesses behavioral and psychological changes.