A new study indicates that the midlife factors for vascular risk are linked to a heightened risk for dementia later on in life. In particular, hypertension, smoking and diabetes in midlife are tied to a higher risk for dementia. In fact, diabetes in middle age heightens the risk nearly as much as carrying the top risk factor for Alzheimer's, APOEe4 allele. These results were presented in a media briefing at the 2017 International Stroke Conference.
About the Research
The study's lead researcher, Rebecca F. Gottesman, aimed to gain a better understanding of whether the treatment of specific vascular risk factors makes a difference in terms of decreasing the odds of Alzheimer's. At the moment, other means of reducing the odds of Alzheimer's are insufficient. However, the medical community does understand how to treat and ward off vascular diseases. Gottesman, MD, PhD is an associate professor of epidemiology and neurology at the Johns Hopkins University in Maryland.
This biracial study included participants from four locales within the United States in the late 1980s. The participants were between the ages of 45 and 64. Vascular risk factors were analyzed at baseline. Patients were continually studied at intervals across a 25 year period. Nearly 16,000 participants were in the cohort. Over 1,500 cases of dementia were pinpointed at the assessment that took place between 2011 and 2013.
The Findings
It was expected that the risk for dementia would rise with age. Indeed, this expectation turned out to be the case. African American participants had the highest risk for dementia. Smoking, hypertension, not graduating from high school, diabetes and the presence of the APOE e4 allele were identified as the primary midlife risk factors for eventual dementia. Smoking turned out to be a risk factor for dementia solely in Caucasians. The APOE allele produced a stronger effect in Caucasians than African Americans.
Why the Study is so Important
The study is valuable as it pinpoints factors that can be identified and subsequently modified at the midlife point of an individual's life that play a role in cognitive dysfunction as the aging process occurs. It is clear that the health of one's vascular system in the middle years of his life is vitally important to brain health across the aging process. It is hoped that the study's findings will spur people to alter their habits and obtain treatment for medical conditions to guard against dementia.
Next week, please join me as I investigate the topic: Great News For Those With Nut Allergies!
Please don't forget to visit our store for excellent FRESH products, I am an authorized distributor of all the natural products we offer, and FREE SHIPPING on each and every order. We will be redesigning our site shortly to make it much easier to use.
See you Wednesday! Sorry about this week, we were in very late last night!
Best of Health!
Join our weekly health blog for FREE Natural Health tips!
Interested in saving a TON on awesome, professional products with FREE shipping and Volume discounts??? Then:
Visit our Natural Product Pharmacy for the best prices and FREE SHIPPING on hundreds of natural products from professional brands like: Metagenics, Douglas Laboratories, Pure Encapsulations, Integrative Therapeutics, Thorne Research, and Carlson Labs!
Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc, LDN
Naturopath
Acupuncturist
Clinical Nutritionist
Dietitian
Professional Vitamins and Supplements
Chinese Herbs
Natural Skin Products
Arlington Heights, IL
www.apple-a-day-clinic.com
We specialize in Acne, Skin, and Digestive disorders! Please contact us for a free consultation! I do work long distance. Thank you from the bottom of our cart! We truly appreciate your product purchases, visits, and referrals! They enable us to give people the help they need and continue our valuable work.
Taryn DeCicco ND, LAc, LDN of Apple A Day Clinic in Arlington Heights, IL has been specializing in Acne, Skin, and Digestive disorders for over 16 years.