Team Franciscan Center: Obesity, Movement, & Dementia

Dr. Jack Harless

Manger of The Franciscan Center

In a recent scientific study published in the Journal of Neurology 1., new evidence has emerged suggesting that excess weight quadruples the risk of knee osteoarthritis (OA). What’s more, the study also points to more bad news; being overweight significantly increases your risk for late-life dementia.

Those subjects that were considered overweight almost doubled their risk for late-life dementia and those subjects who were categorized as obese almost quadrupled their risk.

The importance of this study cannot be overstated. Not only has immobilization (or lack of movement) been linked to OA2., we now have evidence that a lack of movement is linked to late-life dementia!

At the Franciscan Center, we are committed to providing the safest, most up to date, and physiological congruent forms of movement based exercise around. That’s quite a mouthful, but simply stated; we can help you find the type of movement and exercise that is most safe, most fun, and most enjoyable!

With all of the new research available on movement dynamics, human function and aging, we have at our disposal wonderful tools to enhance and promote quality of life changes like never before. Come join us at the Franciscan Center and explore ways to experience life from a new perspective; more movement, more fun, more life!

References:

Xu WL, et al. Midlife overweight and obesity increase late-life dementia risk. Neurology, May 3, 2011; 76
(18): 1568-74. and Videman, T. Experimental models of osteoarthritis: the role of immobilization. Clinical Biomechanics 1987; 2.