New Study Shows How Weight Loss Surgery Can Improve Brain Function

ROSLYN, N.Y. - March 17, 2015 - PRLog -- Roslyn Heights, NY – A new study presented at Obesity Week 2014 helped shed some light on a topic many clinicians have been privy to for years, which is improved brain function after bariatric surgery.   The study consisted of 47 bariatric surgery patients, 32.6% of which were diabetic, with 43.9% having metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome refers to a group of conditions, including high blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol levels, excess abdominal fat and increased blood pressure.  The conditions occur simultaneously, increasing a patient’s risk of diabetes, stroke and heart disease.

The participants in the study performed a variety of different cognitive tests prior to surgery, and then repeated the testing at three, six and 12 months post-surgery.  Some of the cognitive tests included in the study were the revised Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (HVLT), Trail Making Tests A and B, and the Digit Substitution Test.  Also included in the testing were the Beck Depression Inventory-II, the Psychomotor Vigilance Task-192 and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale.

Pre-op testing demonstrated that the participants in the study scored well below average on most tests, with diabetes being the biggest factor affecting cognitive scores, according to researchers.  At 12 months post-op, patients showed marked improvement in both memory and attention levels.  As glycemic control and metabolic syndrome symptoms dissipated with the significant weight loss, cognitive function continued to improve.

These results are exciting, but not necessarily surprising to Dr. Shawn Garber of New York Bariatric Group.  “Bariatric surgery has been demonstrated to dramatically improve or cure many medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea. This study demonstrates another great benefit of improved neuro cognitive function with bariatric surgery. The sooner a patient undergoes weight loss surgery the faster they can obtain the benefits these procedures can provide to improve their overall medical condition and now their mind."

Learn about the New York Bariatric Group by visiting StopObesityforLife.com, or by calling their office directly at 800.633.8446 for more information.

About the New York Bariatric Group

The New York Bariatric Group team consists of six of the country's leading bariatric surgeons and bariatric experienced anesthesiologists, physician assistants and medical support staff. Together, they provide innovative and successful treatments to fight obesity, including all types of bariatric surgery, such as laparoscopic banding, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and more. Their surgical team has extensive experience, and NYBG provides an unmatched bariatric program that produces real weight loss success, with patient education, mentorships, support groups, and ongoing assistance with nutrition and post-surgery lifestyle. Visit the New York Bariatric Group online at http://Bariatric.StopObesityforLife.com, or call them at 800.633.8446.