Metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular disease are strongly linked to the faster onset and progression of neurodegenerative conditions, especially in the context of obesity. These age-related diseases stem from a buildup of cell and tissue damage, with a lifestyle that accelerates this damage leading to a higher risk of various age-related conditions. Notably, suffering from one age-related disease increases the likelihood of developing others, as they share common origins.
New research highlights the connection between cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, and cognitive decline. Studies show that individuals with multiple CMDs are at a higher risk of cognitive impairment and brain structural changes even before dementia onset. Early findings suggest that CMDs can impact brain health as early as middle age, indicating the importance of addressing these risk factors early on.
The study analyzed data from middle-aged and older adults in the UK Biobank, finding that a higher number of CMDs was associated with more pronounced cognitive decline in older adults. Furthermore, individuals with multiple CMDs exhibited smaller brain volumes and increased white matter hyperintensity volume, indicating poorer brain health. These findings emphasize the need to address cardiometabolic risk factors to prevent accelerated brain aging and cognitive decline.
