Study Links Avoidance of Three Health Factors to Delayed Dementia Onset
A recent study published in the journal Neurology Open Access has found that avoiding type 2 diabetes, smoking, and high blood pressure during middle age may delay the onset of dementia by approximately 13 years. The study, led by Dr. Josef Coresh, involved over 12,400 adults and highlighted that individuals with these health risks at an average age of 56 were more than twice as likely to develop dementia. The research emphasizes the importance of managing these risk factors through lifestyle changes such as adopting a plant-based diet, regular exercise, and quitting smoking. Cardiologist Dr. Andrew Freeman and other experts stress the significance of a healthy lifestyle in extending the 'health span' of individuals, which refers to living well and avoiding diseases like dementia.