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A large-scale prospective cohort study revealed a striking correlation between the age at which coronary heart disease or CHD manifests and the subsequent risk of developing various forms of dementia.

The study found that for every 10-year reduction in the onset age of CHD, individuals faced a considerable escalation in dementia risk. Specifically, there was a 25% heightened risk for all-cause dementia, 29% for Alzheimer's disease and 22% for vascular dementia.

One of the authors, Fanfan Zheng, emphasized the unprecedented nature of their study in exploring the potential influence of CHD onset age on dementia risk. Previous research highlighted accelerated cognitive decline post-CHD diagnosis, underscoring the significant association between cardiovascular health and brain function.

Contributing factors and lifestyle choices

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health chair of the Department of Epidemiology Dr. Albert Hofman shared a positive trend -- over 25 years, dementia rates have declined by 13% per decade, potentially due to improved heart health awareness. About 30 to 40% of dementia cases relate to factors linked to heart disease, emphasizing the vital connection between cardiovascular well-being and dementia risk.

Efforts in managing blood pressure and cholesterol, adopting healthy diets, regular exercise and quitting smoking play pivotal roles in preventing both heart disease and reducing dementia risks. Global declines in smoking, especially in countries with robust anti-smoking campaigns, correlate with decreased heart disease-related deaths.

Stroke is found to be a key contributor to dementia, with nearly 20% of stroke survivors developing dementia within a year. Dr. Hofman stressed the urgency of altering fatalistic views toward dementia, advocating for prevention over treatment, given the absence of dementia cures. Lifestyle modifications and public health interventions might delay dementia onset, offering improved quality of life. Ultimately, focusing on heart health is a crucial pathway to mitigating dementia risks and fostering better brain health.