Midlife blood pressure, diabetes and smoking linked to longer dementia-free life
A study found that three common health factors in middle age were associated with nearly 13 extra years without dementia.
Researchers have linked normal blood pressure, the absence of type 2 diabetes and not smoking between ages 45 and 65 with a longer period before dementia develops. The findings suggest that tackling cardiovascular risk in midlife could help delay cognitive decline.
According to the study, people with those three health measures had almost 13 additional years of life free from dementia on average. The results add to evidence that prevention efforts earlier in adulthood may matter for brain health later on.
The research was reported alongside wider discussion about long Covid, mental health services in England and the role of health apps in tracking personal data. Another recent analysis also suggested that birth order may influence the likelihood of some diseases later in life.
The dementia study focused on health status during the middle years, when blood pressure, diabetes and smoking habits can still be changed. It adds to a growing body of work examining how everyday risk factors shape health in older age.
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