A new study suggests that three midlife health factors may substantially affect when dementia develops. People who maintain normal blood pressure, keep blood sugar stable and do not smoke could potentially delay the condition’s onset by as much as 13 years when all three apply.
The findings highlight the importance of cardiovascular and metabolic health during middle age. Elevated blood pressure and disrupted blood sugar can affect the body and brain over time, while smoking is also associated with poorer long-term health outcomes.
Researchers from the United States examined how these factors were linked with dementia timing. The results indicate that combining the three habits may be more meaningful than focusing on any single measure alone.
The study does not suggest dementia can always be prevented, but it adds to evidence that midlife health may influence later cognitive health. Individual risk can also depend on other factors not covered in the findings.
