3 Health Factors That May Help Delay Dementia by Years

Dementia : New research suggests that keeping three important health risks under control during middle age may help people live longer without dementia. The three factors are high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and smoking. A long-term study found that people without these risk factors had nearly 13 more years of dementia-free life compared with those who had all three.

1. Keep Blood Pressure Under Control

High blood pressure can damage blood vessels over time, including the small vessels that supply the brain. This may affect brain health and increase the risk of cognitive problems.

Regular blood pressure checks can help people identify hypertension early. If blood pressure is high, working with a health professional on treatment and lifestyle changes may help protect both heart and brain health.

2. Manage Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes was another important factor in the study. High blood sugar can affect blood vessels and may contribute to problems that increase the risk of dementia.

Healthy eating, regular physical activity and appropriate medical care can help people manage blood sugar levels. Anyone with diabetes should follow their health professional’s advice and keep up with recommended checkups.

3. Avoid Smoking

Smoking is also linked to poorer blood vessel health and a higher risk of dementia. Quitting smoking can improve overall cardiovascular health and may provide benefits for brain health as well.

For people who smoke, getting professional help to quit can make the process easier and more successful.

What the Study Found

Researchers analyzed data from 12,409 adults who were around 56 years old on average when they entered the study. Participants were followed for about 26 years as researchers tracked their health and dementia outcomes. More than 3,000 participants developed dementia during the follow-up period.

At age 55, people who had none of the three risk factors were expected to live about 30.1 years without dementia. Those who had all three risk factors were expected to live about 17.5 years without dementia—a difference of roughly 12.6 years.

Protecting Brain Health Starts in Midlife

The findings highlight the importance of taking care of cardiovascular health before older age. High blood pressure, diabetes and smoking can affect blood vessels for many years, so managing these risks earlier may help support long-term brain health.

However, the study does not mean that avoiding these three factors guarantees a person will avoid dementia. Dementia has many possible causes and risk factors. The research shows an association between midlife vascular health and dementia-free life expectancy, rather than proving that these factors alone determine when dementia will occur.

Simple steps such as staying physically active, eating a balanced diet, avoiding tobacco and regularly checking blood pressure and blood sugar can support overall health. People with concerns about their dementia risk should speak with a qualified health professional.

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