This study is being done to learn about the changes that weight loss causes on brain function, memory and thinking ability in adults. The study does NOT cover any costs associated with bariatric surgery.
There will be two groups of people studied: One group has chosen (independently of this research study) to have weight loss surgery to help them lose weight. Another group will not choose to have any weight loss surgery. All research participants will be tested on thinking and memory processes at the start of the study, after 12 weeks, and again at 18 months. They will have an MRI Brain Scan at those same times also to look at changes in the structure and function of the brain tissue. Blood tests will be done to measure the sugar levels in the blood, and other proteins that may act as markers for disease.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
197
Participants who are intending to have bariatric surgery for weight loss
Healthy adults with body mass index \>35 who will not undergo bariatric surgery for weight loss
University of Florida - College of Public Health and Health Professions
Gainesville, Florida, United States
Change in BOLD fMRI Signal
Brain activation changes will change in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. * z-score is a transformation of the Pearson's (r) correlation coefficient of the BOLD timeseries between two brain regions * a value of \< 0 suggests a weakening of the connections between brain areas; and a value of \> 0 suggests a strengthening of the connections between brain areas * A value of r=0 indicates that two brain regions were functionally disconnected
Time frame: Change from baseline at 18 months
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