Health

Risks To Heart Health Seen As Greater Contributor To Future Dementia Cases Than Smoking: Study

A new study published on Thursday suggests that risks to heart health may pose a greater threat to future dementia cases than smoking.

The research, conducted by scientists from University College London (UCL) and published in The Lancet Public Health, underscores the evolving landscape of dementia risk factors over recent decades.

The study delved into a combination of genetic and environmental factors known to influence dementia risk, including high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, education levels, and smoking habits.

Analyzing 27 research papers spanning data from 1947 to 2015, with the latest data updated in 2020, the researchers observed significant shifts in these risk factors and their impact on dementia prevalence.

According to the findings, trends in education and smoking have shown notable changes over time, coinciding with shifts in dementia rates.

“Education levels have risen in many higher-income countries, which has subsequently diminished its role as a prominent risk factor for dementia,” noted lead author Naaheed Mukadam from UCL Psychiatry.

Similarly, smoking rates have declined in regions like Europe and the US, attributed to changing social norms and increased costs.

Conversely, rates of obesity and diabetes have risen steadily over the same period, marking them as increasingly significant contributors to dementia risk.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, emerged as the most predominant risk factor across multiple studies, highlighting its critical role in the progression of dementia.

Mukadam emphasized the need for targeted interventions addressing cardiovascular risk factors to mitigate the growing burden of dementia.

“Cardiovascular risk factors appear to have escalated in their impact on dementia risk over time, necessitating focused strategies for future prevention efforts,” Mukadam stated.

Also Read: Government Employees Can Avail Maternity & Paternity Leave For Surrogacy

Mankrit Kaur

Recent Posts

PM Modi Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack; Vows Justice For Victims

PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir,…

9 mins ago

PM Modi Directs Immediate Action After Pahalgam Terror Attack On Tourists

PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday directed Union Home Minister Amit Shah to take all necessary…

33 mins ago

Terror Attack On Tourists In Pahalgam; Home Minister Amit Shah Condemns Attack

Terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in the Pahalgam area of South Kashmir’s…

1 hour ago

Adani Group Stages Bold Comeback With ‘Operation Zeppelin’ After Hindenburg Report

In January 2023, forensic financial firm Hindenburg Research released a damning report labeling the Adani…

2 hours ago

India’s Infrastructure Output Rises 3.8% In March 2025 On Strong Steel & Cement Growth

India’s infrastructure sector witnessed a year-on-year growth of 3.8% in March 2025, led by strong…

3 hours ago

India’s Oilmeal Exports Dip 11% In FY 2024–25 Despite March Uptick: SEA

The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) has released provisional data for oilmeal exports, showing…

3 hours ago