New Delhi, August 6: A recent international study claims that managing high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and smoking during middle age can delay the onset of dementia by an average of 13 years. This finding was published in the American medical journal ‘Neurology’.
The researchers analyzed health data from over 12,400 individuals over nearly 26 years. At the study’s start, the average age of participants was 56. During the follow-up period, more than 3,000 participants developed dementia.
The study revealed that individuals without these three risk factors during middle age remained dementia-free for an average of 30.1 years. In contrast, those who failed to manage these conditions experienced a dementia-free period of only about 17 years, highlighting a significant difference of approximately 13 years between the two groups.
Dr. Joseph Koretz, the senior author from NYU Langone Health, emphasized that the dementia process begins years before symptoms appear. Therefore, controlling cardiovascular risks during middle age is crucial for long-term brain health.
Experts note that high blood pressure and diabetes can damage the brain’s blood vessels, while smoking exacerbates oxidative stress and inflammation, adversely affecting brain cells. Reducing these risks can help preserve cognitive function for a longer duration.
However, researchers clarified that dementia cannot be completely prevented, as age and genetic factors remain significant risks. Nevertheless, adopting a healthy lifestyle, managing blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and avoiding smoking can substantially lower the risk of developing dementia.
Previously, a report from The Lancet Commission indicated that nearly 45% of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed for several years by timely management of lifestyle and other modifiable risk factors.
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