Men’s Brain Ages Faster With Heart Risks
The findings suggest that men are more vulnerable to the effects of heart risks on brain health.
A groundbreaking study has revealed that men with heart disease risk factors experience faster brain health decline compared to women with similar conditions.
The research, published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, found that men’s brain decline begins as early as their mid-50s, while women generally experience this decline a decade later, from their mid-60s onward.
“These findings underscore the importance of addressing cardiovascular risk factors early, particularly in men, to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of neurodegeneration,” said Paul Edison, the study’s lead researcher, as quoted by UPI.
Key Findings
The study analyzed data from nearly 34,500 participants in the UK Biobank, utilizing brain imaging to monitor changes over time.
Researchers calculated cardiovascular risks such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and smoking using participants’ health records.
Key outcomes included:
Gender Differences: Men began showing signs of brain health decline between the ages of 55 and 74, while women’s decline became evident between 65 and 74.
Higher Stakes for Men: The findings suggest that men are more vulnerable to the effects of heart risks on brain health.
Implications
The study highlights the urgent need for preventive measures against heart disease, particularly in men before age 55.
“Targeting modifiable cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity can play a crucial role in preventing neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s,” researchers stated.
In addition to lowering the risk of dementia, tackling these cardiovascular risks can also reduce the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes, offering a dual benefit for long-term health.
Conclusion
This research underscores a critical gender disparity in brain health and heart risk, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies to mitigate these risks earlier in men’s lives.
The findings reinforce the importance of prioritizing heart health to prevent both cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.