Cause 7. Obesity – A Hidden Catalyst for Vascular Dementia
The ever-growing prevalence of obesity across the globe has been recognized as a significant contributor to a multitude of health conditions. More recently, the link between obesity and vascular dementia has come into sharper focus.
As a condition characterized by excess body weight, obesity increases the likelihood of developing various health problems that can subsequently heighten the risk of vascular dementia. These include hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
The connection between obesity and vascular dementia can be traced to several related health problems. For instance, carrying excess weight, especially around the waist, is often linked with an elevated risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
Each of these conditions can inflict damage on blood vessels, including those within the brain. Over time, the cumulative effect of this vascular damage can lead to cognitive impairment and may eventually culminate in vascular dementia.
Beyond these conditions, obesity also heightens the risk of developing heart disease, which can further exacerbate the threat of vascular dementia. Heart disease, often associated with obesity, can damage the heart’s structure and functionality, reducing its capacity to pump blood effectively. This can deprive the brain of the essential oxygen and nutrients it needs, leading to brain cell damage and, subsequently, vascular dementia. (7)
