Bariatric surgery (BS) has long been recognized for its profound effects on weight loss and metabolic health. However, emerging research suggests that the benefits of BS extend beyond physical well-being to include cognitive enhancements. A recent study published in JAMA Network Open sheds light on the long-term cognitive benefits of BS, offering valuable insights into its potential impact on brain health.
Led by Emma Custers and colleagues from Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands, the study examined the associations between weight loss after BS and cognitive function, as well as brain structure and perfusion, in a cohort of 133 participants with severe obesity. The findings, based on a two-year follow-up period, provide compelling evidence of cognitive improvements following BS.
The study revealed that at the 24-month mark after BS, participants experienced significant improvements in global cognition, with scores at least 20 percent higher in nearly half of the participants. These cognitive benefits were accompanied by reductions in inflammatory markers, decreased depressive symptoms, and increased physical activity levels.
In addition to cognitive improvements, the study also examined changes in brain structure and perfusion following BS. While most brain regions showed lower levels of structure and perfusion post-surgery, no significant changes were observed in hippocampal and white matter volume. Notably, greater thickness and lower spatial coefficient of variation were observed in the temporal cortex, suggesting potential alterations in brain functioning.
The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the longer-term cognitive outcomes associated with BS-induced weight loss. While the exact mechanisms underlying these improvements remain unclear, the results underscore the potential of BS to positively impact both physical and cognitive health in individuals with severe obesity.
Bariatric surgery continues to emerge as a powerful tool in the fight against obesity and its associated health complications. Beyond weight loss and metabolic improvements, evidence suggests that BS may also confer cognitive benefits, enhancing overall brain health and function. As research in this field continues to evolve, further exploration of the cognitive effects of BS holds promise for improving outcomes and quality of life for individuals with severe obesity.
Publish Time: 11:35
Publish Date: 2024-02-13
