European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

ASSESSMENT OF NEURO COGNITIVE DISORDER IN ADOLESCENTS WITH OBESITY

Dr. R. Gayathri*, Dr. M. R. Renuka Devi and Dr. P. Saikumar

ABSTRACT

Background: Obesity is a major problem nowadays in young individuals due to our recent life style modifications. These life style changes of eating with high fat consumption at younger age affects their cognition to a greater level resulting in impaired memory, poor concentration among younger individuals. There is an association of inflammatory changes in brain due to high fat consumption which leads to cognitive impairment. So this study is aimed to assess the relation of cognition with eating habits and Body Mass index. Objectives: The aim of this study is 1. To assess the Neuro cognitive function of the individual using the MMSE (MINI MENTAL SCALE EXAMINATION). 2. To correlate the body mass index with the Neuro cognitive functioning of the individual. Methodology: A pilot study conducted among 30 individuals of 18 & 19 years age group in both genders, in Allied Health Students of Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chromepet, Chennai. The purpose of the study was explained and informed written consent was obtained from the subjects. The students were scaled with MMSE (Mini Mental Scale Examination) questionnaires. Institutional Ethical Committee permission was obtained before conducting the study. The subject’s socio -demographic details like age, gender, occupation, body mass index, eating habits, family history were obtained at the time of study. Statistical analysis done using Microsoft excel and also with SPSS software version 20. Result: There is a significant correlation between the Body Mass Index of the students and one of the sector of MMSE i.e attention and calculation. The other sectors of MMSE scale are not significantly correlating with BMI. Conclusion: The study result says that the attention and calculation of these students is affected by increased body weight. The lack of attention also affects the academic achievements of the students. And the language, recall, orientation skills are not correlating with the BMI.

Keywords: Neurocognition, Adolescents, Body Mass Index.