A new study led by NYU Langone Health suggests that avoiding three key vascular risk factors during midlife, specifically high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking, may be associated with nearly 13 additional years of life without dementia. Researchers analyzed data from more than 12,000 adults who were followed for an average of 26 years and found that those with none of these risk factors remained dementia-free significantly longer than those with all three.
The findings highlight the close connection between cardiovascular health and brain health. Researchers found that the presence of these risk factors was linked not only to an earlier onset of dementia but also to fewer overall years lived without the condition. The study further noted differences across demographic groups, with women generally experiencing more dementia-free years than men and White participants more than Black participants, underscoring the need for targeted prevention efforts.
While the study does not prove cause and effect, it adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that actions taken in midlife can play an important role in supporting long-term cognitive health. The researchers emphasize the importance of managing blood pressure, preventing or controlling diabetes, and avoiding smoking as part of a broader strategy to reduce dementia risk and promote healthy aging.
Read more about the study and its findings on the NYU Langone Health website.
