BMI, functional and cognitive status in a cohort of nonagenarians: results from the Mugello study

Monica Dinu,Francesco Sofi,Sandro Sorbi,Federica Vannetti,Barbara Colombini,Giuditta Pagliai,Raffaele Molino Lova ,Guido Pasquini,Francesca Cecchi,Claudio Macchi

doi:10.1007/s41999-020-00417-9

Monica Dinu, Francesco Sofi + Show 8 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s41999-020-00417-9

Copy DOI

Abstract

Key summary pointsAimOur aim was to investigate the association of body mass index (BMI) with functional and cognitive status in a group of nonagenarians.FindingsBy grouping the participants according to BMI categories, overweight and obese participants showed lower functional capability, higher risk of falling but better Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) performance than participants with normal weight or underweight.MessageThis cross-sectional survey supports the hypothesis that adiposity could affect the cognitive state of people reaching the old age.

Highlights

In recent years, many studies have linked functional and cognitive status to late life and body mass index (BMI) [1,2,3]
The relationship between BMI and health in old age has been a controversial issue for many years
By grouping a large cohort of nonagenarians according to BMI categories, in the present paper we were able to report that overweight and obese participants had a lower functional capability, a higher risk of falling but better mini-mental state examination (MMSE) performance than participants with normal weight or underweight, supporting the hypothesis that adiposity could affect the cognitive state of people reaching the old age

Summary

Introduction

Many studies have linked functional and cognitive status to late life and body mass index (BMI) [1,2,3]. In terms of physical performance, a higher BMI has shown a controversial association with the effects on health and quality of life. Some studies have reported better physical functioning in older people with higher BMI [1], while others have reported more functional limitations and. The controversial association between adiposity and cognitive function has often been explained in the context of the “obesity paradox”, a hypothesis based on the fact that in old age obesity can have protective effects against certain conditions such as cognitive impairment [7]. There is little evidence on the relationship between BMI, functional and cognitive status in older populations

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion