Mediterranean Diet, Weight Loss, and Cognition in Obese Older Adults

The deleterious effects of obesity on cardiovascular disease (CVD) and metabolic risk factors (dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance) are well-documented. Recent evidence also links obesity to cognitive decline and dementia. Dietary patterns are central to the development and maintenance of obesity and certain dietary patterns may contribute to the onset and progression of cognitive decline. With the rapid aging of the US population and the high prevalence of obesity among older adults, innovative lifestyle strategies to prevent cognitive decline among ethnically diverse obese older adults are critically needed.