Research links avoiding three risk factors to 13 extra years without dementia

A study published in Neurology Open Access reveals that avoiding three specific risk factors—hypertension, diabetes, and smoking—can extend the period of life lived without neurocognitive disorders by approximately 13 years. The research, led by investigators from Tsinghua University and the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, analyzed data from 12,409 participants over an average follow-up period of 26 years.

Participants who presented none of these three risk factors lived nearly 13 years longer without dementia compared to those who had all three. Researchers emphasize the importance of managing cardiovascular health starting in middle age to preserve brain health.

In a related context, the National Institute of Geriatrics (INGER) highlights that healthy aging requires addressing various challenges, including physical activity, nutrition, and the management of blood pressure and glucose, to maintain autonomy and quality of life in older populations.