The Link between Alzheimer's and Weight Loss

Alzheimer's disease can rob otherwise healthy older adults of their ability to think and function, leaving scientists struggling to determine how and why the disease process begins. Before the earliest symptoms of mental impairment and behavior change become apparent, Alzheimer's causes very few physiological signs and symptoms. Recent research, however, suggests an interesting link between loss of Body Mass Index (BMI)-a ratio based on a person's height and weight-and the development of Alzheimer's disease. This suggests that the correlation between Alzheimer's and weight loss may be stronger than previously realized.

The September 2005 study, which stemmed from longitudinal research done on the aging process in 820 members of the Catholic clergy since 1993, found that a decrease in BMI significantly increased the chances of developing Alzheimer's disease. Even maintaining the same BMI was linked to a significantly increased chance of developing the disease compared to those seniors who experienced an increase in BMI. It seems ironic that gaining weight would protect an older person from developing Alzheimer's disease.

Researchers say, however, that it may not be the weight loss that causes the disease process; rather, it is probably the disease process itself which causes the weight loss. Scientists postulate that whatever causes the cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's patients may also affect body weight if the degeneration occurs in the area of the brain that controls weight. The researchers' findings are particularly exciting to the medical community because the earlier Alzheimer's disease is detected, the better the disease can be treated with medications that slow the loss of cognitive ability and delay institutionalization. One day, scientists may even be able to stop the disease before it harms mental functioning by detecting physiological changes, such as weight loss, which are precursors to cognitive impairment.

While scientists are unsure of the exact nature of the correlation between Alzheimer's and weight loss, that a correlation does exist seems more and more certain, especially when doctors take into consideration the difficulty that Alzheimer's patients have maintaining their weight. As Alzheimer's disease progresses, weight loss is very likely to occur. In some cases, the part of the brain that controls appetite may be damaged, leading to weight loss. In other cases, problems with food intake, such as not remembering to eat or not having food to eat, could be to blame. Even the psychiatric and behavioral problems that accompany Alzheimer's disease, such as a depressed mood or constant pacing, could cause weight loss.

Whatever the reason may be for the weight loss, recent studies show that a decrease in BMI often leads to death in Alzheimer's patients; therefore, caregivers should be aware of their loved ones' calorie intake and eating habits. For example, if an Alzheimer's patient has trouble remembering to eat breakfast or even how to make breakfast, careful instructions or reminders left for the patient may be helpful. A nutritional supplement taken under the advisement of a physician may also be beneficial. Malnutrition and dehydration can be two reasons psychiatric and behavioral problems begin, so if these problems suddenly occur, diet may be to blame rather than the progression of the disease. In all cases, a professional should be consulted.

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