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Changes in Cognitive Function Following Bariatric Surgery: An Updated Systematic Review

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Abstract

Since a previous systematic review published in 2016, there have been further studies investigating the association of changes in cognitive function following bariatric surgery. All studies since the original review that reported at least one element of cognitive function before and after bariatric surgery were eligible. A total of 137 additional studies were identified; 13 were included in addition to the 18 studies previously. Almost all studies reported improvements in at least one domain. Most revealed improvements were limited to a few domains and were not universal. Further findings investigated cognitive function improvement in relation to procedure choice, and mental health or quality of life post-surgery. Further high-powered studies are still necessary, but these findings support the impact of bariatric surgery on cognitive function in obesity.

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Data Availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author (IH)

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Diabetes Centre, Morriston Hospital, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Swansea, SA6 6NL, UK

    Isaac Hathaway, David M. Williams & Jeffrey W. Stephens

  2. Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8QA, UK

    Oshiokhe Esther Momodu

  3. Welsh Institute of Metabolic & Obesity Surgery, Morriston Hospital, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Swansea, SA6 6NL, UK

    Andrew J. Beamish & Jonathan Barry

  4. Diabetes Research Group, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8QA, UK

    Jeffrey W. Stephens

Authors
  1. Isaac Hathaway
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  2. Oshiokhe Esther Momodu
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Correspondence to Isaac Hathaway.

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Key Points.

• Cognitive function is likely to improve following bariatric surgery.

• There is substantial heterogeneity in study design and reported cognitive outcomes.

• Investigation into adolescent bariatric surgery and cognitive outcomes is needed.

• A large high-powered study should be considered to consolidate these findings.

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Hathaway, I., Momodu, O.E., Williams, D.M. et al. Changes in Cognitive Function Following Bariatric Surgery: An Updated Systematic Review. OBES SURG (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-024-07235-z

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