A recent study suggests that the combined risk factors for heart disease and stroke (including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking and obesity) may also increase the risk of cognitive decline.
For their analysis, the researchers used data from an ongoing longitudinal study following a representative sample of English adults aged 50 and over (the English Longitudinal Study of Aging ELSA).
In particular, the study suggests that smoking raises the risk of cognitive decline.
The study was carried out by researchers from Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London and was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).
Reference
Dregan, A. Stewart, R. Guildford, MC. (2012). Cardiovascular risk factors and cognitive decline in adults aged 50 and over: a population-based cohort study. Age and Ageing, November 25th 2012, [Epub. Ahead of print].
Clickhere to view the PubMed abstract.
Clickhere to view the full published study