Dementia risk: These two health conditions make people more prone to dementia

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dementia is currently the seventh leading cause of death worldwide and one of the primary causes of disability and dependency among older people. It is not a specific disease, but a group of conditions that affects memory, thinking and social abilities. Alzheimer's and stroke are the most common causes of dementia.

While there is currently no cure for dementia, experts have listed down several predictors for the same, so as to curb the risk of developing the condition in later life. A recent study looked into the same and found that vascular health plays an important role in keeping brain functions in check.

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Vascular diseases are diseases that affect the blood vessels, which carry the oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, eliminating waste from the tissues. It can range from diseases of your arteries, veins and lymph vessels to blood disorders that affect blood circulation. Most vascular problems take place due to the build-up of plaque, which is made up of fat and cholesterol.

High blood pressure can also lead to poor vascular health, since it can damage one's arteries by making them less elastic, decreasing the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart.

Additionally, diabetes is also linked to a number of vascular problems such as retinopathy, an eye condition, nephropathy associated with kidney and atherosclerosis, which is the hardening of the arteries.

That said, it is important to keep a check on your vascular health, as it can give light to various illnesses linked to the heart. Apart from that a recent study also suggests that poor vascular health can also increase one's chances of developing dementia later in life. Let us find out what the study has revealed.

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A recent study published in the journal Neurology found that poor vascular health can affect the blood circulation to the brain, causing irreparable damage to the cells.

Two health conditions that came up during the research were high blood pressure and blood sugar, which is said to increase dementia risk in the next ten years for people in their 60's.

Dr Rosa Sancho, Head of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK says, "The findings from this study confirm existing research, which links vascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, with an increased risk of developing dementia in later life."

"We know that poorer vascular health can increase the chances of developing small vessel disease and other conditions that affect blood flow in the brain, which then damages our brain cells irreparably," she adds.

According to Dr. Sancho, it’s never too early or too late to take measures to cut down the risk of dementia and improve our brain health.

"Not smoking, only drinking in moderation, staying mentally, physically and socially active, eating a balanced diet, and keeping cholesterol and blood pressure levels in check can all help to keep our brains healthy as we age," she shares.

Getting regular health screenings, keeping a tab of your vascular health, getting your blood sugar levels tested regularly are some of the best ways to avoid any long term health issues.

Additionally, your lifestyle also plays a major role in determining the status of your overall health. Indulge in regular physical activity and eat healthy to steer clear of chronic health issues.