Middle-age spread can raise the risk of dementia by as much as up to a THIRD because it restricts blood flow to the brain, finds global study of 1.3million

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Middle-age spread raises the risk of dementia by up to a third – because being overweight reduces blood flow to the brain, experts say. 

A worldwide study of more than 1.3 million people found those with a high body mass index (BMI) in their 50s were much more likely to develop the condition two decades later. 

Being overweight is known to be harmful to the cerebrovascular system – the vessels that carry blood to and from the brain. 

Researchers suggest the arteries in fatter people do not work as well in supplying oxygenated blood to the brain, harming mental function.

The study found that for each five unit increase on your BMI raises the risk by between 16 and 33 per cent. For instance, for a 5ft 7in tall person, five BMI units is 32lbs (14.5kg) – about the difference between overweight and normal weight people, or the obese and overweight.

67874bcd6e19aa6caebd8472baa00902 Middle-age spread can raise the risk of dementia by as much as up to a THIRD because it restricts blood flow to the brain, finds global study of 1.3million

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