Examination of Cognitive Function in Obesity and Following Weight Loss

Recent studies have demonstrated that obesity is associated with decreased cognitive function
and, interestingly, weight loss is associated with improved cognitive function. Bariatric
surgery is the most effective, long-term treatment for morbid obesity, and consistent with
these previous findings, individuals who lose significant weight after surgery appear to have
improved cognition. Previous results have only reported the appearance of cognitive
improvements starting at three months postoperatively, thus, the main focus of this study is
to discover whether cognitive function improvements are seen as early as one month after
bariatric surgery. An acceleration in the onset of cognitive function changes could provide
insight towards the ambiguous underlying neural mechanisms. The benefits of bariatric surgery
extend beyond reversible cognitive deficits. Many of the medical comorbid conditions that
these patients have before surgery (e.g. high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes)
typically resolve prior to any significant weight loss. The mechanisms for these
weight-independent improvements are also undetermined. A secondary focus of this study is to
determine whether or not cognitive function following bariatric surgery also improves prior
to significant weight loss. To test whether cognitive function changes following bariatric
surgery, two cohorts of surgical patients will be recruited as well as another group of
patients undergoing medical weight loss treatment. The goal of this pilot study is to
reproduce and expand upon previous findings that demonstrate cognitive improvements following
bariatric surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

- English speaking

- Within the age rage of 18-70 years

- Able to give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

- Neurological disorder or previous injury (e.g. stoke, dementia, seizures, traumatic
brain injury)

- History of any moderate to severe head injury (i.e. >5 minutes of loss of
consciousness)

- History of severe psychiatric illness requiring current pharmacologic therapy(e.g.
schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorders)

- History of illicit drug or alcohol abuse

- Known diagnosis of learning or developmental disability

- Impaired sensory function

- Any prior suicide attempt

- Revisional bariatric surgery

- Current or former tobacco user / smoker

- Currently pregnant