Recent research from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden shines a spotlight on the dangerous synergy between cardiometabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart diseases, and stroke in increasing the risk of dementia.
The study, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, reveals that having at least two of these conditions doubles the risk of developing dementia.
What Makes this Study Unique?
While the link between individual cardiometabolic diseases and dementia has been established, fewer studies have delved into the ramifications of having multiple conditions simultaneously.
“The combinations of diabetes/heart disease and diabetes/heart disease/stroke were the most damaging to cognitive function,” says Abigail Dove, a doctoral student at Karolinska Institutet who led the study.
The study followed 2,500 dementia-free individuals over the age of 60 for twelve years, using medical examinations and cognitive tests.
The presence of more than one cardiometabolic condition accelerated cognitive decline and doubled the risk of dementia.
This risk became even more significant when a greater number of diseases were present, quickening the development of dementia by approximately two years.
A Glimmer of Hope
Interestingly, the study found that having just one of these cardiometabolic diseases did not significantly increase dementia risk.
“This is good news. The risk only increases once someone has at least two of the diseases,” Dove explains. This suggests that focusing on the prevention of a second disease could help in averting dementia.
Why Early Prevention Matters
The study showed that the correlation between cardiometabolic diseases and dementia risk was stronger in participants who were under 78 years old.
“We should focus on cardiometabolic disease prevention already in middle age, as the risk of cognitive failure and dementia appears higher among those who develop these diseases earlier in life,” advises Dove.
Future Directions
The research team aims to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms that drive this troubling correlation by examining genetic factors and utilizing brain imaging to observe potential damage caused by cardiometabolic diseases.
Given the substantial risk associated with multiple cardiometabolic conditions, there is a growing imperative for early prevention strategies aimed at reducing the incidence of these diseases.
Not only does this have implications for cardiac and metabolic health, but it also opens up a new frontier in our fight against the rising tide of dementia.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about new way to achieve type 2 diabetes remission, and how to cook sweet potatoes without increasing blood sugar.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about how the Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health, and Vitamin B supplements could help reduce dementia risk.
The study was published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia.
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