Late-Life Body Mass Index and Dementia: An Integrative Literature Review

Dementia and obesity are significant public health concerns. Alzheimer's disease affects 5.3 million adults, while 72.5 million adults are obese. Emerging evidence linking body mass index (BMI) and dementia suggest that, although a high BMI in midlife is associated with a greater risk for dementia, a high BMI in late life is considered protective and should not necessarily be considered a risk factor for dementia. Beginning in midlife, practitioners should trend patient BMI numbers. Major fluctuations during this time should be monitored and nutritional counseling and cognitive screenings offered to help patients maintain a healthy BMI and detect early cognitive decline.