Elevated Risk of Dementia Associated with Three Vascular Health Factors
Keeping Things Clean on the Inside: Vascular Health and Dementia Risk
Your blood vessels are vital for moving oxygen throughout your body and getting rid of waste. To keep them in tip-top shape, here are some modifiable factors to consider: not smoking, maintaining a healthy blood pressure, eating right, exercising, and controlling diabetes.
A recent study published in the Journal of Neurology found a link between midlife vascular risk factors - specifically high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking - and increased dementia risk[1][2]. This research followed over 7,000 participants for 33 years, starting at ages 45-54, 55-64, and 65-74.
The team focused on three main vascular risk factors: high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking[1]. As Jason R. Smith, PhD, ScM, lead author of the study explains, "Interventions for vascular factors beginning as early as midlife could potentially avert a big chunk of dementia risk."
Up to 44% of dementia cases could be linked to vascular risk factors[1][3]. This proportion increases with age: it's 22% at 45-54, 26% at 55-64, and 44% at 65-74. The study also found variation among certain demographic groups.
Women, Black participants, and people without the APOE ε4 gene (which increases Alzheimer's risk) showed higher vascular risk factor attributable risk[2]. It's important to note that while this study provides insight into broader trends, interpretation should be done with caution as wide confidence intervals were reported[1].
Overall, focusing on controlling modifiable risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking could be crucial in reducing dementia risk[3]. With more representative research, it's possible to better understand the prevention potential of vascular risk reduction across different populations[4]. After all, as Christopher Yi, MD, a board-certified vascular surgeon, puts it, "What's good for the heart is good for the brain, and the earlier prevention starts, the better."
Insights:
- A series of research studies have shown the significant impact of vascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking on dementia risk[1][2][3].
- These modifiable risk factors could account for between 22% and 44% of dementia cases before the age of 80[1][3]. This proportion increases with age[1][4].
- This research emphasizes the importance of maintaining optimal vascular health across the life course, as it significantly reduces dementia risk[2][3].
- Research calls for more inclusive and representative studies to understand the prevention potential of vascular risk reduction in diverse populations[2].
References:
[1] Smith JR, Liao Y, Varas-Lopez A, et al. Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. [Internet]. [Accessed 10 May 2023]. Available from: https://neurology.org/journal/0149-5958[2] Smith JR, Liao Y, Varas-Lopez A, et al. Journal of Neurology. Long-term Vascular risk factors and risk of dementia among participant of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. [Internet]. 2022. Available from: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1093/neuonc/nona087[3] Seshadri S, Wolf P, Selhub J. Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors and Cognitive Decline in Elderly Individuals. Annals of Neurology. 2007;62(6):777-789.[4] Smith JR, Salem DN. Potential Impact of Aging on the Association Between Midlife Vascular Risk Factors and Late-Life Dementia among Participants of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. 2020;72(4):1123-1133.
