More than 25% of Americans aged 65 and older have Type diabetes, putting them at risk for cognitive impairment and decline.<br />Now, a new study shows that for such people who were overweight, controlling blood sugar levels helps improve cognitive scores.<br />But according to UPI, the study also showed that losing weight and exercising produced mixed results.<br />Study author Owen Carmichael says for study participants, every single improvement in blood sugar control, no matter how small, was linked to better cognition.<br />Weight loss improved participants' short-term memory, planning, impulse control, attention, and the ability to switch tasks.<br />However, verbal learning and overall memory still declined--particularly for people who were obese at the start of the study.<br />Similarly, Carmichael said increasing physical activity also benefited people who were overweight more than people with obesity.
