Three habits could delay dementia by 13 years, study suggests

Keeping blood pressure under control, preventing diabetes and avoiding tobacco in middle age could postpone dementia by about 13 years, according to an international study involving New York University researchers.

The researchers followed more than 12,000 people who showed no signs of dementia at age 55 for roughly 25 years. They examined how modifiable risk factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes and tobacco use, affected brain health over the longer term.

People aged 45 to 65 who had none of those three risk factors spent an average of 13 more years without dementia than participants who carried the risks. The findings point to middle age as an important period for managing factors that can be changed.

The report cited World Health Organization figures showing that more than 57 million people worldwide live with dementia and that about 10 million new cases are recorded each year. Oxford University professor Sarah Harper said nearly half of dementia cases could theoretically be prevented or delayed by managing risk factors that can be controlled throughout life.

Dr. Josef Coresh, one of the NYU study’s experts, said dementia risk rises rapidly after age 55. Specialists also recommended making balanced eating and regular physical activity lasting habits from middle age, alongside blood-pressure and blood-sugar control and avoiding smoking.

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Nearly half of dementia cases could theoretically be prevented or delayed by managing risk factors that can be controlled throughout life.