Study shows that older adults with high levels of obesity are at greater risk for developing dementia.
Scientists followed 1,244 people over 30 years, from childhood to middle age.
Brain tests in their forties revealed that those who were smaller or less fit between 7 and 15 performed worse on brain tests.
They could develop dementia later on if they have lower scores.
Michele Callisaya from Monash University in Australia is the lead author. “Protective strategies against future decline may need to start as far back as early childhood.”
Dr Sara Imarisio, head of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “For most of us, our risk of dementia comes down to a complex mix of our genes, lifestyle and age.
“While experts believe middle age is a key time for us to take action to reduce our dementia risk, some aspects of childhood may also influence the long-term health of our brains.
“It’s never too early or too late in life to take steps to support our brain health.”
Swerve pills: The top doctor
By Nick McDermott
Prescriptions by GPs should be avoided “a pill for every ill” the nation’s top doctor warned — as too many patients are harmed by needless drugs.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis was the national medical director for NHS England. He stated that overprescribing should be reduced. “more important than ever”.
Campaigners warn that one in ten medications prescribed by GPs is unnecessary and could prove to be harmful.
Prof Powis stated these words at the NHS ConfedExpo Liverpool “Cutting unnecessary prescriptions could also save millions of pounds which could be reinvested into care.”
England’s prescribing bill is hitting £9.7billion a year. Around 15 per cent of adults — over eight million people — take five or more prescribed drugs.