A new study published in Annals of Surgery Open suggests that bariatric surgery, commonly known as weight-loss surgery, may significantly lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in people with obesity.
Researchers from Vanderbilt University Medical Center analyzed medical records from over 15,900 patients between 2000 and 2023. They compared 5,303 individuals who underwent bariatric surgery with 10,606 similar patients who did not have the procedure. After adjusting for various health factors, they found that weight-loss surgery was linked to a 63% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s and related dementias, as well as a 43% lower risk of mild cognitive impairment.
Additionally, among patients who did develop mild cognitive impairment, those who had undergone bariatric surgery experienced its onset about two years later than those who had not, suggesting that the procedure may delay cognitive decline.
The researchers caution that unmeasured factors—such as lifestyle differences or healthcare access—could have influenced the results. Further studies are needed to explore how bariatric surgery may support brain health, potentially through improved metabolism or reduced inflammation.
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