Weight loss improves memory, research shows

mostly gastric bypass surgery, which creates a smaller stomach and bypasses part of the small intestine. The other 41 obese patients did not have surgery.

After 12 weeks, all participants took the same set of memory tests a second time. Findings:

The surgery patients, who had lost an average 50 pounds, showed improvement in multiple cognitive abilities, including memory and executive functioning, which includes organization skills.

Normal lapses vs. warning signsThough everyone occasionally blanks, some lapses are more cause for concern.

View the Original article

Weight loss improves memory, research shows

Handout

According to new research substantial weight loss improves brain health.

EnlargeCloseHandout

According to new research substantial weight loss improves brain health.

Scientists know that overweight and obese people are at a greater risk for memory problems and other cognitive disabilities, but the latest study is one of the first to indicate that substantial weight loss improves brain health.

John Gunstad, an associate professor of psychology at Kent State University, and a team of scientists from several research centers analyzed memory tests taken by 150 people who weighed an average of 300 pounds. Many had several health problems, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea.

Of that group, 109 of them then had bariatric surgery

View the Original article