University of Cambridge researchers analyzed genetic, lifestyle and health data on more than 500,000 adults, 40-69 years old, and found that those people who were later diagnosed with dementia had tested poorly up to nine years before on measures of problem solving, memorizing, reaction times and grip strength (Alzheimer’s & Dementia, Oct 12, 2022). The study authors believe that this information could lead to earlier diagnosis to start preventive treatments that target known risk factors for dementia.
Known heart attack risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes have been associated with an increased risk for dementia (Lancet, June, 2022), probably because anything that damages the blood vessels leading to the heart can also damage those leading to the brain. For example, an MRI study of 125 healthy people, ages 18 to 40, showed that those who had fewer heart attack risk factors also had far less brain damage and risk for dementia: more blood vessels in their brains, a greater blood flow to their brains, and far fewer white-matter hyper-intensity lesions associated with brain damage (JAMA, Aug 21, 2018;320(7):665-673). Long before a person suffers from heart disease, an elevated resting heart rate and a thickening of the left heart ventricle on an echocardiogram can predict heart disease and also dementia (Neurology, January 26, 2022). Having low good HDL cholesterol at a young age predicts dementia as well as a heart attack in later life (Int J of Ger Psych, August 23, 2020).
