According to a study at the University of Monash in Melbourne, Australia, rapid weight loss and high levels of good cholesterol are among the early warning signs of dementia. Experts, approximately 1100 dementia patients and 4 thousand 312 people who do not have the disease examined the health data of the heart and metabolism. The results showed that people who were diagnosed with dementia had a significant decrease around the body mass index (BMI) and waist until 11 years before the diagnosis.
HDL levels rise before diagnosis
In the study, it was also observed that high -density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, known as good cholesterol about five years before the diagnosis, were higher than those without dementia. Researchers say that these findings provide important information about the changes of the body before the dementia, and that individuals with high risk of developing the disease can be diagnosed and treated in the early period.
Changes in the body start years ago
In the study, nine cardiometabolic factors of the participants were regularly measured for 11 years. These factors include waist circumference, body weight, height, blood pressure, HDL and LDL cholesterol levels and triglyceride values. The results revealed significant changes in the body shapes and lipid levels of dementia patients until 10 years before the start of symptoms.
Living alone adversely affects nutrition
Experts say that individuals who are diagnosed with dementia are often more likely to live alone and that this may adversely affect the nutritional order. In addition, scientists suggest that it can change the body composition by affecting the brain structure of dementia. Smaller -scale research also supports this view.
Early diagnosis can change the course of the disease
Scientists say that changes in the body began before symptoms emerged and early detection can change the course of the disease.
(DHA)