Middle-age lifestyle habits can delay dementia by 13 years

A long-term study published in the journal Neurology suggests that managing three specific health factors during middle age can delay the onset of dementia by an average of nearly 13 years. Researchers at NYU Langone Health analyzed data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, tracking more than 12,000 participants over approximately 26 years.

The research identified three modifiable risk factors that significantly impact cognitive longevity: maintaining healthy blood pressure, avoiding type 2 diabetes, and abstaining from tobacco use. The study followed participants who had an average age of 56 at the start of the evaluation and showed no initial signs of dementia.

As global populations age, health authorities project that the number of people living with dementia could reach 153 million by 2050. These findings emphasize that a substantial portion of cognitive decline is linked to manageable vascular and lifestyle factors, offering a potential framework for preventative healthcare.