News - National
Excess weight affects memory
Posted: Jul 19, 2010 7:40 AM by Bea Karnes, News First 5
Updated: Jul 19, 2010 7:43 AM
The more an older woman weighs -- the worse her memory.
A study out of Northwestern University found for every one point increase in Body Mass Index, a woman's memory score dropped a point.
Researchers looked at the brain function and weight of over 8500 postmenopausal women. Those who were pear shaped -- meaning most of their weight was in their hips rather than their waist -- had more memory deterioration.
The researchers say even if a woman has normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and doesn't have diabetes -- weight can still play a major role in her risk for memory problems.
The study is published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society.
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