Being fat causes dementia say experts – maybe

“LOSE WEIGHT TO BEAT DEMENTIA.” davises the Daily Express’s front page.

A 10-year study into the lifestyles of thousands of middle-aged workers has shown the fatter people are, the faster they lose their mental ability…

The study was on civil servants in Whitehall.

Last night obesity expert Dr Ian Campbell said the research “shows clearly” that being overweight brings an increased risk of dementia. “And that’s particularly concerning because it is clearly avoidable,” he said…

“This research shows clearly that if you are overweight you are at increased risk of dementia. And that is particularly concerning because it is clearly avoidable.
The same healthy, active lifestyle that reduces your risk of heart disease will also reduce your risk of dementia.”

Giles Sheldrick then sees fit to add this:

The study, which used British civil servants working in Whitehall, shatters the myth that people can be so-called “metabolically healthy obese” and suffer no side effects such as cognitive problems.

Does it? No. It;s just an excuse to have a pop at the fat.

Such are the facts. Although what the Express does not tell you is what those full facts. The Independent reports:

Professor Archana Singh-Manoux, the research director at the French medical institute INSERM, who co-wrote the report, said our understanding of dementia was changing, but that more research was needed before the specific causal factors could be identified.

“The whole idea that dementia happens later in life is changing,” she said. “Our research is based on looking at early cognitive decline. We’ve been looking at whether there is cognitive decline earlier than the onset of dementia and what the risk factors could be. The study is ongoing and hopefully we will continue to be funded to see who develops dementia and who does not.”

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Anorak

Posted: 21st, August 2012 | In: Reviews | Comment (1)