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MrPlow writes:

Submitted via IRC for ErnestGoesToSpace

Obesity can break down our protective blood brain barrier resulting in problems with learning and memory, scientists report.

[...] People who have obesity and diabetes have higher rates of cognitive impairment as they age and most of the related structural changes are in the hippocampus, a center of learning and memory and Stranahan's focus of study. Fat is a source of inflammation and there is evidence that reducing chronic inflammation in the brain helps prevent obesity-related memory loss.

In a model that mimics what happens to some of us, young mice fed a high-fat diet got fat within two weeks, and by 16 weeks they had increases in fasting glucose and insulin concentrations, all signs that diabetes is in their future.

Source: New insight into how obesity, insulin resistance can impair cognition

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