Brain shrinkage in men may be preceded by a 10-year advance notice.
Living with cardiovascular disease risk factors can up your chances of developing dementia, and it's not a pleasant reality to ignore.
Research clearly shows that developing diabetes early in life raises your risk of dementia, and the higher your weight and blood pressure, the more likely you are to experience cognitive decline [1][5]. Smoking? It's deadly to your lungs, heart, and brain. Studies even indicate that male smokers lose their cognitive abilities faster than nonsmokers, and secondhand smoke significantly increases dementia risk [2][3].
Now, here's the shocker. According to scientists, men need to start taking care of their hearts a full decade earlier than women, particularly when it comes to neuron loss [4]. While women are most vulnerable between the ages of 65 and 74, men's vulnerability starts at 55 and can last until 74. In other words, men are at a greater risk, for a longer period, and at an earlier age.
Peak Endurance
Middle age can be tough on the body, but it doesn't mean you're past your prime. The changes you might associate with aging, like decreased energy and weight gain, are actually a sign that your body is begging for better care [6].
Heart Risk Factors and Brain Volume Loss
A long-term study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry revealed that cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as obesity and diabetes, are linked to dangerous changes in the brain [4]. These changes signal the development of dementia and cognitive decline. Surprisingly, the strongest influence of these risk factors on brain neurodegeneration occurs a decade earlier in men than in women [4]. In other words, managing heart health is essential for men starting at a younger age to stave off dementia.
Reducing Heart Risk to Reduce Dementia Risk
The study concluded that addressing cardiovascular risk and obesity a decade earlier in males could be the key to preventing neurodegeneration and cognitive decline [4]. This means quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, and exercising to maintain a healthy weight. These lifestyle changes not only help manage heart disease risk factors, but they can also reduce the risk of diabetes[7]. Interestingly, simply adding enough daily steps can reduce your diabetes risk by a whopping 44% [7].
Incorporating flavonoids such as anthocyanins, fisetin, quercetin, and isoflavones can also help reduce the risk factors for blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight simultaneously [7].
[1] "Study reveals surprising link between cardiovascular disease and dementia" - (URL)[2] "Review of cardiovascular risk factors and their impact on dementia" - (URL)[3] "Smoking and dementia: A comprehensive review" - (URL)[4] "Men vs. Women: Decade-earlier brain health decline due to cardiovascular disease" - (URL)[5] "Dementia Risk and Cardiovascular Health: The Role of Age and Gender" - (URL)[6] "Mid-life body changes: Announcement of a new beginning" - (URL)[7] "3 Ways to Lower Your Dementia Risk" - (URL)
- The study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry indicates that cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as obesity and diabetes, are linked to dangerous changes in the brain that signal the development of dementia and cognitive decline, and these risk factors have a stronger influence on brain neurodegeneration in men than in women, starting a decade earlier.
- To reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive decline, men should address cardiovascular risk factors and obesity a decade earlier, which includes quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, exercising to maintain a healthy weight, and incorporating flavonoids such as anthocyanins, fisetin, quercetin, and isoflavones to help manage heart disease risk factors, reduce the risk of diabetes, and simultaneously manage blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight.
- Moreover, the study suggests that by adding enough daily steps, individuals can reduce their diabetes risk by 44%, which highlights the important role of health-and-wellness and mental-health practices in mitigating the risk of medical-conditions like cardiovascular disease and dementia.
