Study Reveals Changes in Body Metrics Prior to Dementia Diagnosis

Recent research indicates that alterations in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference may occur in the years leading up to a dementia diagnosis. A study published in JAMA Network Open on February 7, 2025, highlights these findings, suggesting that monitoring these metrics could be crucial in understanding cognitive decline.

The investigation, conducted by researchers at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, involved a case-control study examining data from participants in the Aspirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) trial. The study compared 1,078 diagnosed dementia cases with 4,312 participants who remained dementia-free, focusing on sociodemographic characteristics and the timing of dementia diagnosis.

Results from the analysis revealed that participants with dementia exhibited consistently lower BMI over a span of seven years prior to diagnosis and showed reduced waist circumference over a ten-year period. Notably, individuals diagnosed with dementia experienced a more rapid decline in both BMI and waist circumference compared to their healthy counterparts.

Moreover, the study observed that dementia patients generally had higher levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, particularly between five and three years before diagnosis, followed by a decrease in these levels as the diagnosis approached. Additionally, lower systolic blood pressure and triglyceride levels were noted among the dementia cases during the decade preceding their diagnosis, although their low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol levels were comparable to those of control participants.

The authors of the study emphasize that these findings may reflect shifts in cardiometabolic health prior to the onset of dementia, indicating potential risk factors or early signs associated with cognitive impairment. They suggest the importance of proactive monitoring of these health indicators to identify individuals at risk for dementia.

It's worth noting that two authors of the study disclosed connections to the pharmaceutical industry, which is common in medical research. However, the study has undergone rigorous peer review and adheres to strict scientific standards.

This research adds to the growing body of evidence that highlights the significance of understanding the biological changes that occur in individuals prior to the onset of dementia. As the global population ages, identifying early indicators of cognitive decline becomes increasingly critical for developing prevention strategies and interventions to improve quality of life for those at risk.