Overeating Linked to Memory Loss

I'm sure you heard some variation of "too much of a good thing isn't".  It turns out they may have been referring to caloric intake, at least with regards to cognitive function.  In a population-based case-control study presented over the weekend at the American Academy of Neurology's 64th Annual Meeting, the authors analyzed 1,233 non-demented elderly from 70 to 89yo of whom 163 cases had mild cognitive impairment (MCI) with the remaining 1,070 controls being cognitively intact, and compared their nutrition.

The study participants were broken down into 3 groups, those consuming less than 1,526kcal/day, those consuming 1,526-2,142kcal/day, and those consuming more than 2,142kcal/day.  Interestingly, some managed to get by on as little as 600kcal/day while others required 6,000kal/day!  After taking into account the usual suspects, eg age, sex, education, depression, APOE status, stroke, heart disease, diabetes & body mass index, those who consumed the most were more than twice as likely to have MCI.

Now, based upon this meeting abstract, you shouldn't plan to cut your caloric intake in half hoping to decrease your risk for MCI and presumably dementia.  Remember that a case-control study such as this only demonstrates an association which is only good for developing hypotheses.  This case-control study cannot demonstrate cause & effect.  Perhaps there was another common denominator that led to the increase MCI risk.  But it certainly gives us food for thought.  In the meantime, step away from the brownies!

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