Graph showing dementia risk related to weight categories in older adults.

Overweight people had a 14% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those with normal weight, while obese participants had a 19% lower risk. However, those who lost weight from midlife to late life had an increased risk of dementia. This is the so-called obesity paradox. | AI News Digest

Published: September 2, 2025, 3:08 p.m. Health Neutral

A recent study involving over 5,000 older adults found that overweight individuals had a 14% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those with normal weight, while obese participants had a 19% lower risk. However, those who lost weight from midlife to late life faced an increased risk of dementia. The study highlights the 'obesity paradox,' where higher weight in late life may be associated with lower dementia risk, but weight loss during this period indicates potential health decline. Researchers analyzed data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study, revealing that stable weight is linked to the lowest dementia risk. The findings suggest that weight change trajectories could be crucial for dementia risk assessment.

DementiaObesityHealth StudyAgingCognitive Decline