Research Suggests Vascular Risk Factor Management Linked to Extended Dementia-Free Life

Why it matters locally: While the research is national in scope, the findings on managing vascular risk factors in middle age to extend dementia-free life are particularly relevant in Hawaii, where the prevalence of conditions like diabetes and hypertension, which are often linked to vascular health, is a public health concern.

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NEW YORK – Individuals who managed three specific vascular risk factors during their middle age experienced an average of 13 more years free of dementia, according to new research from NYU Langone Health. The study highlights a potential association between these factors and the timing of dementia onset. Researchers identified three vascular health indicators. The study's findings suggest that individuals who maintain favorable levels for these three factors in their middle years may extend their cognitive health into later life. The duration of this extended period averaged 13 years. The investigation focused on participants in middle age, examining their health profiles and subsequent cognitive outcomes. The observed correlation suggests that proactive management of these vascular risk factors during the middle stages of life may play a role in delaying the onset of dementia.