Body roundness index linked to depression risk in older adults with dementia
A new study reveals that the body roundness index, a measurement of abdominal fat, is strongly linked to depression in older adults with dementia. The findings suggest this simple screening tool could help doctors identify at-risk patients.
A recent study published in the Journal of Health Psychology has discovered a potential link between body roundness index and depression risk in older adults with dementia. The researchers, led by Clarissa Pacheco da Rocha Fernandes from the D’Or Institute for Research and Education in Brazil, evaluated 601 individuals aged 60 to 91 who were undergoing cognitive decline assessments at a specialized memory clinic.
They found that individuals with higher body roundness index scores were more than three times as likely to have depression compared to those with lower scores. This finding suggests that the body roundness index, a newer measurement that better captures central fat accumulation, could be a valuable tool for identifying depression risk in older adults experiencing cognitive decline.
The study highlights the importance of considering alternative metrics, beyond traditional measures like body mass index and waist circumference, to better understand the metabolic health and mood disturbances in older populations with dementia.
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