For years, the causes of dementia and Alzheimer's disease have remained somewhat elusive for both medical professionals and the public. Recent research has shed light on effective preventive measures that individuals can adopt to mitigate cognitive decline as they age. One notable study highlights that men with cardiovascular disease risk factors—such as high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes—may experience cognitive decline a decade earlier than women.
This analysis, published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, involved 34,425 participants aged between 45 to 83 from the UK Biobank, who underwent comprehensive abdominal and brain scans. The researchers aimed to identify the optimal timing for interventions to thwart neurodegeneration.
Employing the Framingham Risk Score, which evaluates variables such as age, gender, HDL levels, and blood pressure along with advanced neuroimaging techniques, the researchers assessed brain structure and volume. Their findings indicated that increased levels of abdominal and visceral fat were correlated with diminished grey matter volume in both genders.
Grey matter volume is critical for various essential mental functions, including memory, emotions, and decision-making. The study further demonstrated that men who possess higher cardiovascular disease risk factors exhibit signs of brain damage earlier than women, approximately 10 years sooner. Alarmingly, these risks continue for nearly two decades.
Dr. Jonathan Rasouli, of the Department of Neurological Surgery at Northwell Staten Island University Hospital, emphasized this crucial finding: “Men in their 40s and 50s need to pay closer attention to their health to prevent problems like memory loss or Alzheimer’s later in life.” He noted that managing health factors such as weight and blood pressure could significantly influence brain health.
The scale of this study, fueled by a large participant pool and sophisticated brain imaging, underscores the importance of addressing common health issues early. Targeting risk factors, especially obesity, before the age of 50 may play a pivotal role in reducing the likelihood of cognitive decline.
In conclusion, this research serves as a crucial reminder: maintaining a healthy lifestyle is not just about physical fitness but also plays a significant role in preserving cognitive function as we age.
Source: Men’s Journal
