Adiposity estimated using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and body mass index and its association with cognition in elderly adults

Evelyn Smith*, Phoebe E. Bailey, John Crawford, Katherine Samaras, Bernhard T. Baune, Lesley Campbell, Nicole Kochan, Jasmine Menant, Daina L. Sturnieks, Henry Brodaty, Perminder Sachdev, Julian N. Trollor

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objectives To determine whether obesity, estimated according to body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and body fat and abdominal fat assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), was associated with cognitive performance.

Design Cross-sectional.

Setting Community based.

Participants Individuals aged 74-94 (N = 406).

Measurements BMI, waist circumference, body fat, and abdominal fat were assessed using DEXA. Cognitive performance was assessed using a comprehensive neuropsychological battery.

Results When categorized using BMI, overweight individuals had higher global cognitive function and executive function scores than normal-weight individuals. This relationship did not differ according to sex. When categorized according to DEXA, there were no relationships between body fat and cognitive function in the whole group, but women in the middle and highest tertiles of DEXA body fat had better executive function than those in the lowest tertile. Men in the middle tertile of DEXA body fat had significantly better executive function and memory than those in the lowest tertile. BMI had greater power to predict executive function than DEXA body fat. No significant associations were found between cognition and estimates of abdominal adiposity.

Conclusion This study found an association between being overweight and better executive function in elderly adults; this association was stronger for the simpler BMI than the more-elaborate DEXA measures.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2311-2318
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society
Volume62
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • body mass index
  • cognition
  • dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
  • elderly
  • fat mass
  • obesity

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Adiposity estimated using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and body mass index and its association with cognition in elderly adults'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this