Rethinking the Obesity Paradox: BMI and Longitudinal Cognitive Decline in Older Adults

In contrast to some previous research, our findings suggest a complex, and at times contradictory, relationship between weight status and MoCA score, where overweight or obesity may modestly buffer against cognitive decline based on age. Further research should explore potential age-dependent effects, clarify casual pathways, and determine whether targeted interventions around BMI might modify late-life cognitive trajectories.