The relation between body mass index and cognitive functions in health middle-aged engineers and architects

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate whether sociodemographical characteristics, lifestyle and body mass index in middle-aged healthy engineers and architects (between the ages of 30-60 and without any known chronic diseases) had an effect on cognitive functions (such as visual-motor conceptual scanning, motor speed, planning, abstract thinking, immediate memory, bearing in mind and recalling). Based on the fact that the relation between BMI and cognitive functions never been investigated before, our aim was to create awareness on internalizing healthy nutritional behaviors and healthy life style and the fact that ideal weight would affect cognitive functions positively. Material and Method: In order to define the relation between sociodemographical data, height, weight, BMI, lifestyle and cognitive function in healthy middle-aged engineers and architects working in Adana, trail-making test adapted to Turkish by Cangöz, Karakoç and Selekler (2009) and tested for validity reliability, mini mental test and DSST (digit symbol substitution test) were used and the relation between completing scores and durations were investigated for these tests. Our sample was 142 of the healthy engineers and architects from all branches, living and actively working in Adana and surrounding cities and registered to Adana Chamber of Engineers and Architects consent was obtained. Findings: The mean age of the 142 engineers and architects participating was 39.82 (±8.24) years. 80 of the participants (56% ) were male and 62 were female (44% ). Based on occupational groups, 7 of the participants were (5% ) food engineer, 19 were (13% ) architect, 30 were (21% ) civil engineer, 22 were (15% ) mechanical engineer, 22 were (20% ) agricultural engineer, 12 were (8% ) mining engineer, 7 were (5% ) chemical engineer and 17 were (12% ) electrical and electronic engineer. Mean BMI was 25.41 (±4.64) Kg/m2. Lower scores/results were acquired in all cognitive activity determining tests apart from BMI increase and recalling and language scores in our study (p<0.001). Result: High BMI effective on cognitive functions also affects working performance and efficiency of the individual in addition to loss of confidence. Thus awareness was created on the importance of especially the ideal weight and adapting healthy life style in this study. Our study contributed to the scientific realities from which primary care physicians would benefit for their suggestions for their patients on healthy living and nutrition and thus positively influenced the occupational responsibilities of them to increase the social productivity. Keywords: Body Mass Index, Cognitive Function, Family Physician, Healthy Life Style.