Title:Body Mass Index (BMI) and Cognitive Functions in Later Life
Volume: 15
Issue: 2
Author(s): Yadollah A. Momtaz, Sharifah A. Haron, Tengku A. Hamid, Rahimah Ibrahim and Parisa T. Tanjani*
Affiliation:
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ayatollah Taleghani Hospital, Research Development Unit, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran,Iran
Keywords:
Aged, cognitive function, BMI, older adults, epidemiology, mental health.
Abstract: Background: The findings from previous studies exploring the association between BMI and
cognitive function in the elderly are conflicting. The purpose of the present study is twofold; to verify
the association between BMI and cognitive functions and examine whether this association is impacted
by height, when adjusted for possible covariates.
Methods: The data for this study, consisted of 2287 older adults aged 60 years and above, drawn from a
nationally representative population-based survey entitled “Determinants of Wellness among Older Malaysians:
A Health Promotion Perspective” conducted in 2009.
Results: The mean age of the respondents was 68.7 (SD=6.6) years. The average score of cognitive
function, measured by MMSE was 24.5 (SD=5.6). About 40% of the respondents were classified as
overweight. Results of the multiple linear regression analysis revealed a significant association between
BMI and cognitive function (Beta=.10, p<.001). The Factorial ANCOVA revealed significant interaction
effect between BMI and height on cognitive function (F= 10.8, p<.001), after adjusting for possible
covariates.
Conclusion: The findings from the current study indicating the positive association between BMI and
cognitive function depends on height, therefore it is suggested that short people might be targeted for
dementia prevention.
