The vascular system, which moves oxygen and removes waste via blood vessels, plays a critical role in overall health. Poor vascular function raises risks for diseases like aneurysm, peripheral artery disease, and varicose veins, and can contribute to heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology has found that certain midlife vascular risk factors—specifically high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking—are strongly linked to increased dementia risk later in life.
Researchers analyzed health data from about 7,700 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study over 33 years. They focused on risk factors measured between ages 45-74 and found that 22–44% of dementia cases by age 80 could be attributed to these vascular risks.
The study also found that this vascular contribution to dementia was higher among self-identified females, Black participants, and those without the APOE ε4 gene, a known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.
Jason R. Smith, PhD, lead author, highlighted that interventions targeting vascular health starting in midlife could prevent or delay a significant portion of dementia cases. “What’s good for the heart is good for the brain,” he said.
Vascular surgeon Dr. Christopher Yi explained that high blood pressure and diabetes damage small brain vessels, causing chronic oxygen deprivation and “silent strokes” that impair cognition. Vascular issues also promote inflammation and damage the blood-brain barrier, accelerating neurodegeneration.
Yi emphasized that late-life vascular health may be even more important than previously thought and called for more research and clinical trials focused on vascular risk management to reduce dementia risk.
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