This study aimed to investigate associations between obesity and poor cognitive performance using data from a community study of 467 individuals aged ≧65 years in South Korea. Cognitive function was ascertained using the Korean Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE), and obesity using anthropometric measures including waist circumference and body mass index (BMI). Poor cognitive performance was present in 37% of the sample. General obesity (BMI ≧25) and poor cognition were strongly associated in the presence of abdominal obesity. Poor cognition was negatively associated with overweight (BMI 23–25) with normal waist circumference. Interaction terms with abdominal obesity for BMI increase were significant (p = 0.007). Obesity was associated with poor cognition, and obesity indexes must be carefully considered to reveal this relationship.

Keywords:
Waist circumference, Body mass index, Korean Mini-Mental State Examination, Obesity
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© 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel
2005
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