Cognitive impairment in obese patients: a pilot study. Correction possibilities

Abstract

Obesity is a risk factor for cognitive impairment (CI) that has a significant impact on quality of life in patients. Objective. To study the frequency and nature of CI in obese patients. Subjects and methods. The study involved 51 obese patients and 28 healthy normal-weighted volunteers matched for age, gender, and level of education. Cognitive functions were assessed using the MoCa test and the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) scale. Results. The median MoCA scores were 28 (27; 29) in the normal weight group and 25 (25; 27) in obese patients; the differences between the groups were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The median total FAB score in both groups was 18 (17; 18) and had no significant differences (p > 0.05). Conclusion. The findings may suggest that the carbohydrate metabolism is associated with the risk of CI in obese patients, since obesity is related to a number of metabolic and hemodynamic disorders. The MoCa test proved to be a more sensitive cognitive screening test for mild CI in obese patients. Phytopreparations "Femo-Klim" and "Nervo-Vit" can be recommended for women with estrogen deficiency and obesity, as they contribute to the normalization of estrogen levels and weight loss, as well as contribute to the improvement of cognitive functions and psychological state. The drug "Eromax" is recommended for the correction of obesity and cognitive disorders in men associated with low testosterone levels.