🧠 Vascular Risk Factors to Incident Dementia

A large study suggests that managing blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking in midlife could significantly reduce the risk of dementia before age 80.

Published In: JAMA Neurology
Date: June 2025
Authors: Smith et al.
Link to Study: JAMA Neurology

Summary

This long-term study tracked over 12,000 participants for up to 33 years to evaluate how much midlife vascular health influences dementia risk. Researchers found that up to 44% of dementia cases by age 80 could be linked to modifiable vascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking. The impact was even more significant among women, Black individuals, and people without the APOE ε4 gene variant.

Key Takeaways

✅ Up to 44% of dementia cases by age 80 were linked to midlife vascular issues.
✅ The strongest risk reduction came from managing health between ages 65–74.
✅ The benefits of good vascular health were higher in women and Black individuals.
✅ Those without the APOE ε4 gene saw the largest potential benefit.
✅ Vascular risk factors had less impact after age 80.

Why It Matters for You

Taking care of your heart health in your 40s to 60s, by managing blood pressure, blood sugar, and avoiding smoking, could significantly lower your chances of developing dementia later in life.

Citation

Smith, J. R., et al. (2025). Vascular Risk Factors to Incident Dementia. JAMA Neurology. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaneurol.2025.1495