A higher BMI at dementia diagnosis is linked to a lower risk of death, the article reports.

Patients who were overweight or obese at diagnosis had up to 27 percent lower death risk.

The finding challenges long-held assumptions about excess weight and health.

As dementia progresses, patients often face severe weight loss and muscle wasting.

Extra body mass at the outset may act as a buffer against rapid physical decline.

The results are raising new questions about nutrition plans for dementia caregivers.

Experts warn the findings should not be read as encouragement for unhealthy weight gain.

Future research will focus on tailoring nutrition for vulnerable older patients.

Read the full article for more details on BMI and dementia survival.