According to some recent studies, being overweight can affect your brain health.  Apparently, the brain shrinks more and ages faster when you are overweight.

In one study, they compared the same aged people.  Some had a body mass index of below 25 and some had a body mass index of between 25 to 30 (overweight).  The overweight people had “4 percent less brain tissue and their brains looked eight years older.”  Brains of people with a body mass index of over 30 (obese) had “8 percent less tissue and looked 16 years older.” 

Less tissue means less reserves, which “puts people at a higher risk of dementia” – including Alzheimer’s disease. 

To calculate your body mass index (BMI), the formula is weight (lb) divided by [height (inches) x height (inches)], then multiplied by 703.  Here’s an example:  Someone who is 5’6″ (5’6″ = 66″) and weights 160 lb has a BMI of 25.8.  The calculation is:  160 / (66 x 66) x 703 = 25.8.  This person would be in the overweight category.  Here is a partial BMI calculation chart. 

The point is, living a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy foods and being active is good for more than your cardiovascular system; living a healthy lifestyle is good for all of your organs.  By prolonging the health of your brain, you are decreasing the risk of dementia which means you are more likely to be able to remain independent without the need for assisted living or memory care in Vancouver WA.  This expands your senior living options.