New Evidence Links Bariatric Surgery to Improved Cognitive Function
In addition to the many proven benefits of weight loss surgery performed by experienced surgeons like Dr. Michael Feiz, a recent study also points toward mental benefits
LOS ANGELES, March 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Bariatric surgery has been proven to provide a wide range of health benefits to patients suffering from severe obesity. Such benefits as lowering blood pressure and improving or even eliminating type 2 diabetes both lengthen a patient's lifespan, and may ward off numerous dangerous and debilitating health conditions including heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure. Health experts and respected physicians like Dr. Michael Feiz M.D., F.A.C.S. advocate bariatric surgery as the best means of ensuring a healthier happier life for severely obese patients. In addition to these benefits, however, a recent study published in Obesity Weekly presents convincing evidence of improvements in cognition as patients age.
In recent years, obesity has been linked to a variety of negative health impacts affecting virtually all areas of the body, from the cardiovascular system to reproductive function. Though life threatening issues receive the most attention, other side effects can be quite difficult and harmful to the overall quality of life. Severely obese individuals commonly suffer from fatigue, sleep apnea, decreased digestive stability, mental disorders such as depression, and—as this reported by the Obesity Weekly study—decreased cognition. The findings associate poor neurocognitive function and an increased risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer's disease with the poor glycemic control, and metabolic syndrome that typically come with obesity.
Participants in the study completed cognitive tests before bariatric surgery, and then afterwards at 6 month intervals. A variety of tests were given, including a revised Hopkins Verbal Learning Test, the Digit Symbol Substitution test, and Trail Making Tests A and B. Preoperative scores exhibited slower mean response times in addition to poorer memory recall. On the other hand, post operation scores improved across all categories. Diabetes was found to be the greatest contributing factor behind these results.
"The brain is a big consumer of glucose for its size," said John Morton, M.D., director of bariatric surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine, "It consumes a lot more glucose than your heart or your muscles. It really needs it, and when there are derangements in the glucose metabolism, some brain chemistry doesn't work as well."
Severe obesity and diabetes are linked, and diabetes, in turn, is associated with a significant increase in the risk of dementia. Fortunately, as patients approach a normal weight, all areas of their body become healthier; including their cognitive function as indicated by the results of the study. Severely obese participants initially scored below the national average, then normalized after nearing a healthy weight. "Although obesity is bad for your brain, losing weight can help improve your memory and other mental abilities," concluded John Gunstad, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Kent State University.
At Dr. Feiz and Associates, Dr. Michael Feiz and his highly trained team applaud these results, which confirm many of their own experiences treating patients. The apparent improvements in cognition are no small part of why they are proud to offer effective weight loss solutions to treat severely obese patients. For more information call their office today at (800) 868-5946 or visit the Dr. Feiz & Associates website.
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SOURCE Dr. Michael Feiz
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