Factors affecting cognition

Decline of memory is one of the major concerns as we get older. The reviewed research investigated factors affecting memory, and it is an important study because these are things we can do something about (Singh-Manoux A, et al. 2012).

The participants were 6,401 adults, aged 39-63 years in 1991-1993. Data on weight using body mass index (BMI) was collected and metabolic status was evaluated using triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL).

The participants were also evaluated for the use of lipid lowering drugs, if they had high blood pressure or if they were using blood pressure medications. Glucose was measured and it was recorded if the participants were using medications for diabetes.

Four cognitive tests were administered in 1997-1999, 2002-2004, and 2007-2009. Abnormality of the metabolic status was defined as 2 or more of the above listed factors.

The results documented a faster cognitive decline in the participants with both obesity and metabolic abnormality. The good news about this is that these are factors we can do something about by adapting a healthy lifestyle and eating habits. For a program that works, read more about Learn to Eat.

Singh-Manoux A, Czernichow S, Elbaz A, Dugravot A, Sabia S, Hagger-Johnson G, Kaffashian S, Zins M, Brunner EJ, Nabi H, Kivimäki M. Obesity phenotypes in midlife and cognition in early old age: the Whitehall II cohort study. Neurology. 2012 Aug 21;79(8):755-62. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0b013e3182661f63.