New research shows a link between obesity and Alzheimers. Researchers at the National Institutes of Health studied how if you are over the age of 50 and obese your risk for developing Alzheimer’s is high. The more pounds that were on lead to a higher risk of developing a disease.

They are still researching this concept, but one thing they know for sure is that it’s important to have a healthy lifestyle and diet. Over 5 million people in the U.S. today are living with Alzheimer’s. The burdens and worries that come with a family member or loved one can be overwhelming. The best way to help prevent the risk of developing these diseases or Alzheimer’s is by watching the weight and food that you are putting into your body.

Researchers studied the affects of obesity on the body for people over the age of 50 for over 14 years with over 1,400 people. They would have to come in twice a year and undergo regular cognitive tests. They tracked patients BMI (body mass index) which would help to show any signs of Alzheimer’s in the next 7 months. If someone had a BMI of 30 at an earlier age vs someone who had a BMI of 25 would on average would have higher risks of developing these diseases a few years before someone with a lower BMI.

“What’s good for your heart, is good for your brain.” -Heather Snyder