Overview
- Harnessing Mendelian randomization, the study found that higher body mass index and elevated blood pressure directly increase the odds of vascular-related dementia.
- The analysis indicated that raised blood pressure explains a substantial share of the dementia risk associated with obesity.
- Researchers analyzed large Danish cohorts and the UK Biobank, with findings published online ahead of print in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
- Reported estimates suggested that about a 4.5-point increase in BMI corresponded to higher vascular dementia risk regardless of starting weight.
- Weight-loss medications tested in people with early symptomatic Alzheimer's did not slow decline, strengthening calls to evaluate earlier prevention strategies.