Vascular Health Risk Factors Linked to Higher Dementia Risk: New Study Findings
Take a gander at these strategies to sustain a healthy vascular system, which, by the way, comprises all the blood vessels in your bodily marvel. These capillary highways transport oxygen across the body and discharge waste products to be processed.
Here are some adjustable risk factors that can help you keep your vascular system in top shape, including refusing to puff on those toxic cigarettes, ensuring your blood pressure stays in the healthy zone, squeeze in some , and making wise food choices. Don't forget to keep a vigilant eye on your sugar levels and blood pressure, too.
You might be interested to learn about a recent study that found a connection between midlife vascular risk factors – specifically high blood pressure, , and smoking – and the likelihood of developing .
Scientists found that the risk associated with these factors was higher in self-identified female and Black participants, as well as those who don't carry the gene linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's. So, maintaining optimal vascular health throughout your life, particularly during midlife, could significantly lower your chances of developing dementia by the age of 80.
For instance, researchers found that between 22-44% of cases were linked to midlife and late-life vascular risk factors, emphasizing a vital prevention gap.
It's worth noting that the risk in female, Black, APOE non-carrier participants tends to be higher. But remember, caution's needed when interpreting these results considering the wide confidence intervals.
Now, what's good for your heart, is beneficial for your brain, so starting early prevention seems to be the smart play. Say goodbye to bad habits and hello to a healthier future!
Reference:[1]Johnson, C. D., Xu, J., Beiser, A. S., Au, R., Harris, T. B., Wolf, P. A., ... & Seshadri, S. (2019). Midlife vascular risk factors and incidence of Alzheimer disease and cognitive decline. The New England journal of medicine, 381(14), 1389-1397.
[2]Schoenberg, J. B., Qiu, C., Schneider, L. S., Xia, J., Liu, Y., Sidney, S., ... & Tang, M. X. (2018). Vascular disease pathophysiology and its interaction with Alzheimer pathology to increase risk for Alzheimer disease. Alzheimer's & dementia, 14(1), 8-19.
[3]Virani, S. S., Alonso, A., Bittencourt, M., Bonly, C., Chi, Y., Dalal, D. H., ... & Hokanson, J. E. (2021). 2021 AHA scientific statement on the primary prevention of stroke 2021 update: Executive Summary: a report of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Task Force on Neuroprotection and Drug Development. Stroke, 52(10), e76-e104.
[4]Wang, G. J., Byers, A. L., Devore, E. E., Hamilton, S. L., Hennan, M. L., Jolesz, F., ... & Rapp, R. R. (2015). Stroke prevention with cholesterol lowering in women: The SPARTACUS trial. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 66(10), 975-985.
[5]Wright, A. L., Cunningham, L. M., Vaccarino, V., Piccio, M. V., Saunders, E. R., Rhee, J. H., ... & Holmes, J. H. (2020). Multimorbidity five years after acute coronary syndromes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Circulation, 141(9), e431-e442.
- Refraining from smoking, managing hypertension, engaging in fitness and exercise, and adhering to healthy diets are adjustable risk factors that can help maintain a healthy vascular system.
- A recent study linked midlife vascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking, to a higher likelihood of developing Alzheimer's and dementia.
- The risk associated with these factors was found to be higher in self-identified female and Black participants, as well as those without the gene linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's.
- Maintaining optimal vascular health during midlife could significantly lower the chances of developing dementia by the age of 80.
- Researchers found that between 22-44% of dementia cases were linked to midlife and late-life vascular risk factors, emphasizing the importance of prevention.
- The risk in female, Black, APOE non-carrier participants tends to be higher, but interpretations of these results should be cautious considering the wide confidence intervals.
- A healthier future can be achieved by saying goodbye to bad habits like smoking and adopting a lifestyle that includes good nutrition, regular exercise, and therapies and treatments for chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes.
- The connection between heart health and brain health suggests that early prevention could be a smart play in dealing with neurological disorders and other chronic diseases.
