The surprising paradox: How being overweight may extend the lives of dementia patients

A new study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that dementia patients who are overweight live longer than those with a normal weight. Researchers analyzed 4,523 older adults in the U.S. and found that the risk of death was 16% lower in the overweight group and 27% lower in the class 1 obesity group. The findings are not a recommendation to gain weight.

A new study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease presents surprising data: dementia patients who are overweight live longer compared to patients with a normal weight. The research team from the United States and Canada analyzed medical records of 4,523 adults aged 51 and older in the United States, who did not have dementia at the start of the study but developed it later. Participants were divided into four groups based on body mass index. During a follow-up period of up to 20 years, it was found that normal-weight subjects were more likely to die earlier. In the overweight group, the risk of death was 16% lower compared to those with normal weight. Among people with class 1 obesity, the risk was 27% lower, and among those with class 2 and 3 obesity, the risk was 22% lower. The results remained stable even after adjusting for variables such as sex, education, smoking, and chronic diseases. Researchers speculate that fat and muscle reserves help cope with skipping meals due to brain changes. The researchers clarify that the findings are not a recommendation to gain weight, as the study does not prove a direct causal link. The phenomenon, known as the "obesity paradox," is also recognized in heart and kidney diseases.