Studies show that diabetes is more prone to mental disorders than genetic risk.
Experts from the University of Oxford and the University of Exeter believe that a heart attack or stroke can be just as dangerous.
Adults with all three conditions associated with obesity were three times more likely to develop dementia.
Today, charities say the evidence is clear: “What is good for your heart is good for your head.”
The results of an analysis of more than 200,000 Britons underscore the importance of exercise and proper nutrition.
Dozens of studies have linked heart disease to dementia, which affects nearly 1 million people in the UK and 6.5 million in the United States.
The study evaluated the diets of more than 1,000 elderly people for anti-inflammatory foods and monitored them over an average of three years. Most people on an anti-inflammatory diet drank an average of 20 fruits, 19 servings of vegetables, four servings of vegetables, and 11 cups of coffee or tea per week. Compared to this group, those with the lowest anti-inflammatory diet were three times more likely to develop dementia.
The new study, published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity, is one of the largest studies to link research.
Leading author Dr. Xin Yu Tai said: “Dementia is a major global problem and it is estimated that by 2050, 135 million people worldwide will be devastated.
“We have found that such heart-related conditions are more associated with the risk of mental disorders than genetic risk.
“Therefore, no matter what genetic risk you were born with, you can have a big impact on reducing your risk of dementia by taking care of your heart and metabolic health for the rest of your life.”
Experts have studied the UK’s Biobank for more than 60 years, which contains the health data of half a million Britons, including brain images and genetic data.
They divided 200,000 participants into low, medium, and high risk categories based on the genetic likelihood of mental disorders by carrying genes such as APOE.
The team also recorded which patients suffered from cardiometabolic conditions, as well as known risk factors for dementia.
About 20,000 participants were diagnosed with one of three cardiometabolic conditions – diabetes, stroke or heart attack.
Nearly 2,000 people were affected by both, and 122 people were affected by all three.
The team found that the more of these three conditions in a person, the higher their risk of mental retardation.
Brain scanners, available to 12,000 participants, showed common brain damage for those with more than one heart-related health condition.
In adults with a genetic risk of dementia, the condition worsens only in isolated areas of the brain.
In order for brain cells to function properly, they must be constantly supplied with blood and oxygen. Heart attacks and strokes can disrupt this blood supply and lead to brain damage.
Experts believe that diabetes can lead to mental disorders because it raises blood sugar, which damages the brain’s memory center, the hippocampus.
David Lliwellin, a professor in Exeter and senior author of the study, said: “Many studies consider the risk of a disease related to dementia, but health is even more complex.
“We know that many patients have a number of conditions.
“Our research shows that for people diagnosed with diabetes, stroke or heart attack, it is especially important to take care of their health and provide proper treatment, prevent further problems and reduce the risk of dementia. ‘
Dr. Kenneth Langa, author of the study and a medical expert at the University of Michigan, said: “Our research shows that lifelong protection of the heart is also beneficial for the brain.
“To take care of your heart, you can exercise regularly, eat right, and do everything you can to keep your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels in line with your guidelines.”
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