Dementia is a disease characterised by cognitive impairment, which may affect the lifestyle and daily activities of the patient. In contrast to "senility," which only affects memory, dementia can cause people to require around-the-clock care for the rest of their life.

Several factors, such as genetics, lifestyle, poor diet, lack of exercise, and alcohol consumption can increase the risk of dementia. All of these factors can cause massive neuron damage in the brain, which causes their cognitive function to decline.

Not only that, according to the results of a recent study published in the Neurology journal, heart health can also influence the risk of dementia. In the study, it was found that a combination of genetic factors and poor heart health can increase the risk of dementia. In their study, researchers analysedthe data of 1,211 participants involved in the Framingham Heart Study, a long-term study that looked at the link between genetic factors, heart health, and risk of dementia.

Researchers found that genetic factors can increase the risk of dementia by 2.6 times. In addition, poor heart health can also increase the risk. On the other hand, good heart health can help reduce the risk of dementia by 55%. The researchers recommend that those who have a high genetic factor for dementia must maintain their heart health to reduce this risk. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and dietare some of the easiest ways to maintain your heart health.

Text by Anggie Triana
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Source(s):

• Peloso, G.M., Beiser, A.S., Satizabal, C.L., et al (2020). Cardiovascular health, genetic risk, and risk of dementia in the Framingham Heart Study. Neurology, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000010306.
• Medical News Today - Genetics and cardiovascular health may contribute to dementia risk (2020). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/genetics-and-cardiovascular-health-may-contribute-to-dementia-risk, 27 July 2020.