Overeating 'raises risk of mild cognitive impairment'

Overeating could increase older people's risk of developing mild cognitive impairment, which is the first stage of abnormal memory loss and is often seen early in Alzheimer's disease, according to new research.

The study, which was conducted at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, US and will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's upcoming meet, found that consuming between 2,100 and 6,000 calories per day doubles people's risk of developing mild cognitive impairment.

Dr Yonas E Geda told reporters: "We observed a dose-response pattern which simply means; the higher the amount of calories consumed each day, the higher the risk of MCI."

"Cutting calories and eating foods that make up a healthy diet may be a simpler way to prevent memory loss as we age."

Over the course of the study, 1,233 dementia-free adults aged 70 to 89 were studied. Some 163 went on to develop mild cognitive impairment.

Information was gathered about people's dietary habits using questionnaires. It was noted that a third of participants ate between 600 and 1,526 calories a day, while the same number at 1,526 to 2,143 calories daily and the remainder at between 2,143 and 6,000 calories per day.

While those who ate the most calories were more at risk of cognitive impairment, however, there was no real difference in risk between those who ate the fewest calories and the middle group.

According to the Alzheimer's Society, people with mild cognitive impairment are at an increased risk of developing dementia, with studies showing ten to 15 per cent of people who suffer from the condition go on to develop some form of the illness each year.

The charity stated that moderate physical activity and a healthy diet can play a key role in staving off cognitive impairment.