A life-threatening and destructive event that needs to be addressed quickly
Dementia, a degenerative brain disease, is a growing public health concern. As life expectancy increases, so does the prevalence of this debilitating condition. Recent research suggests that men may be particularly vulnerable to earlier onset of dementia.
A study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry highlights a strong link between heart disease and accelerated cognitive decline in men. This finding has significant implications for public health and underscores the importance of early prevention and intervention.
In this gallery, we’ll delve into the details of this study and explore the factors contributing to the gender disparity in dementia risk.
The study found that men were most susceptible to cardiovascular risk factors between the ages of 55 and 74, while women were most susceptible a decade later, between 65 and 74. But why?
The study also found that heart disease can lead to early dementia, even in those without the APOE ε4 gene, a gene variant linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, particularly in older adults.
While the link between dementia and heart disease was already known, a new study revealed that men at high risk for heart disease may develop dementia up to a decade earlier than women. "This discovery has significant health implications," says lead author Dr. Paul Edison, professor of neuroscience at Imperial College London.
That's why midlife may be a key window for both the development of dementia and the prevention of it, he added.
The study found that the most vulnerable brain regions, including those involved in hearing, vision, emotional processing, and memory, are affected early in the development of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Published in November 2024 in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, a new study examined data from over 34,000 men and women aged 45 to 82 who participated in a longitudinal health study in the UK Biobank.
By using a neuroimaging technique called voxel-based morphometry (VBM) to analyze the whole brain, researchers believe they were able to more accurately identify the impact of abdominal and visceral fat on brain degeneration.
Results showed that cardiovascular risk factors, along with higher levels of abdominal and visceral fat, were associated with reduced gray matter volume throughout the cerebral cortex in both men and women. Gray matter is responsible for processing and interpreting information, according to Edison.
Maintaining a healthy diet, with controlled levels of sugar and cholesterol, is paramount in reducing vascular risk factors.
Men tend to have more visceral fat, which accumulates around internal organs, while women tend to have more subcutaneous fat, which accumulates around the hips, Edison explained. Visceral fat is linked to an increased risk of heart attack.
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading global cause of death, according to the World Health Organization. In the United States, heart disease has been the number one killer for over a century.
Timing may be key to preventing cognitive decline," said Wei. Some observational studies have shown that midlife vascular risk factors, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and obesity, have less impact later in life when potential damage is already done.
According to the American Heart Association, people with coronary heart disease are 27% more likely to develop dementia than those without heart disease.
Beyond elevating blood pressure, alcohol abuse can damage the heart muscle and increase the risk of atrial fibrillation. Quitting or avoiding alcohol is highly recommended.
Other risk factors, such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and smoking, can lead to small vessel disease, impairing brain oxygenation and increasing dementia risk.
Recent studies suggest a strong link between heart and brain health. Heart conditions like coronary artery disease can harm brain blood vessels, increasing the risk of dementia and cognitive decline.
Previous research by epidemiologist Jingkai Wei, from the University of Texas Health Science Center, found that a decade of heart disease risk factors was linked to poorer cognitive function in older adults, including declines in executive function, processing speed, and memory.
Since heart disease can be a significant factor in early dementia, regardless of genetic predisposition, researchers emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle, especially in middle age, to reduce dementia risk.
The same goes for smoking, as tobacco smoke damages the lining of blood vessels, promoting the buildup of plaque (cholesterol, fat, and other substances) in the arteries.
Additionally, men have higher levels of hormones that can cause inflammation and increase the risk of blood clots, which may contribute to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.
While there could be several reasons, existing research has shown that men in midlife are not only more likely than women to have poor cardiovascular risk profiles, such as hypertension and high cholesterol, but are also less likely to address them.
Hormonal differences also play a role, according to Edison. In men, testosterone is linked to higher levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol and lower levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease, which in turn, can contribute to dementia.
In women, however, estrogen reduces LDL levels while increasing HDL levels. This changes once women approach menopause. "The protective effect of estrogen pre-menopause may explain why women face problems a decade later than men," Edison explained.
Men are also more likely than women to have diets high in saturated fat, salt, and red meat, as well as consume tobacco and alcohol, Edison said.
Journalist Gail Sheehy spent eight years exploring the impact of age on men and found that many men over 40 struggle more than women to make a satisfying transition into the second half of their lives.
According to human behavior and relationship expert Patrick Wanis, women experience more physical changes throughout their lives than men. This may lead to a different perception of change and a greater willingness to seek help. In contrast, men may be more resistant to change and less likely to seek support.
Source: (CNN)
Men may develop dementia earlier than women, study reveals
Heart disease linked to earlier dementia in men
HEALTH Disease
Dementia, a degenerative brain disease, is a growing public health concern. As life expectancy increases, so does the prevalence of this debilitating condition. Recent research suggests that men may be particularly vulnerable to earlier onset of dementia.
A study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry highlights a strong link between heart disease and accelerated cognitive decline in men. This finding has significant implications for public health and underscores the importance of early prevention and intervention.
In this gallery, we’ll delve into the details of this study and explore the factors contributing to the gender disparity in dementia risk.