Mid-life cardiovascular disease prevention may protect against later dementia

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-02/acoc-mcd_1021121.php

 

News Release 15-Feb-2021
Study results show atherosclerosis in mid-life can impact areas of the brain impacted by dementia
American College of Cardiology

 

Employing cardiovascular disease prevention strategies in mid-life may delay or stop the brain alterations that can lead to dementia later in life, according to a study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Atherosclerosis, or buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on artery walls, is the underlying cause of most cardiovascular diseases, which is the leading cause of death around the world. Dementia is also among the top causes of death and disability around the world, with 50 million people currently living with dementia. The presence of atherosclerosis has been linked to cognitive impairment in advanced stages of the disease, but little is known about how they influence each other, especially since both can be asymptomatic for long periods of time earlier in life.


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