Recent research published in Circulation suggests that a heart-healthy lifestyle may reduce the risk of dementia, even for individuals with a genetic predisposition to coronary artery disease (CAD). This study highlights the importance of adopting healthy habits to combat cognitive decline, regardless of genetic risk.
Key Takeaways:
Elevated genetic and lifestyle risk for CAD was tied to an increased risk for dementia.
Lifestyle interventions can improve the risk for dementia, even in individuals with an elevated genetic risk for CAD.
The study, which analyzed data from 365,782 participants in the UK Biobank, aimed to explore the potential shared genetic pathways contributing to both CAD and dementia. Researchers found that both CAD and dementia share modifiable risk factors that can simultaneously influence the development of both conditions.
The researchers measured genetic risk for CAD using polygenic risk scores and evaluated lifestyle risk factors through the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 lifestyle score. This score assesses lifestyle based on BMI, lipids, blood glucose, blood pressure, diet, physical activity, smoking status, and sleep duration.
Findings:
Participants with higher genetic and lifestyle risk scores for CAD had an elevated risk for all-cause dementia and vascular dementia, with a particularly strong link to vascular dementia.
Lifestyle factors had an additive effect, meaning a healthy lifestyle can reduce dementia risk regardless of genetic predisposition.
Those with low lifestyle risk scores for CAD experienced a 40-50% reduction in the risk for vascular dementia, even if they had a high genetic risk for CAD.
Conclusion:
This study underscores the potential for a heart-healthy lifestyle to mitigate the risk of dementia, particularly vascular dementia, even in individuals with a genetic predisposition to CAD. Adopting healthy behaviors in mid to late life may be a key strategy in reducing dementia risk, regardless of genetic factors.
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