Link between obesity and dementia could see figures soar

The number of people with dementia in the UK could soar to over 20 million in less than 20 years, according to the Alzheimer's Society.

It follows a new study that has been published, which shows the link between obesity and dementia.

Researchers from the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have analysed studies from the last 20 years and found that being obese increases the risk of Alzheimer's by an average of 80 per cent.

Dr Susanne Sorensen, head of research for the Alzheimer's Society, has said there is a need for a national risk reduction strategy to slow the alarming rise in the number of Britons being diagnosed with the disease.

"This systematic review consolidates the evidence that being over or under weight increases your chance of developing dementia. People with a large waist circumference are more at risk," she added.

Ms Sorensen concluded that factors such as a balanced diet, exercise, blood pressure and cholesterol are all important ways of reducing the risk of developing dementia.

The Department of Health estimates that a quarter of the adult population in England is classified as obese and almost a fifth of all children under the age of 16 are dangerously overweight.


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