Genetic Predisposition to Heart Disease Linked to Increased Dementia Risk,Major Study Finds
London,UK – A large-scale study published in Circulation has revealed a significant link between genetic risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) and the advancement of dementia,including both Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. The findings underscore the shared biological pathways between cardiovascular and neurological health, and coudl pave the way for improved risk assessment and preventative strategies.
Researchers at university College London analyzed data from over 365,000 participants in the UK Biobank, a long-term health database. Over a median follow-up period of 13.9 years, 8,870 cases of dementia were identified – 4,021 diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and 1,994 with vascular dementia.
The study assessed participants’ genetic predisposition to CAD using a polygenic risk score (PRS), and their lifestyle risk based on the American Heart Association’s “Life’s Essential 8” (LE8) guidelines – a framework encompassing diet, exercise, nicotine exposure, sleep, weight, cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure.
Key Findings:
* Genetic Link: For every standard deviation increase in CAD PRS, the risk of all-cause dementia rose by 10% (subhazard ratio [sHR], 1.10; P* < .001). This association was notably strong for alzheimer's disease (sHR, 1.09; *P < .001) and vascular dementia (sHR, 1.16; P* < .001).
* Lifestyle Matters: A higher lifestyle risk score (LRS) was also associated with increased risk of all-cause dementia (sHR, 1.04; *P = .006) and vascular dementia (sHR,1.15; P* < .001).
* Behavioral vs. Biological Risk: Interestingly, the study found that *behavioral aspects of lifestyle risk (such as diet and exercise) were more strongly linked to dementia risk than biological factors (like cholesterol and blood sugar). An increase in behavioral LRS was associated with a 17% increased risk of vascular dementia.
* Dose-Response Relationship: Individuals in the highest tertile of genetic risk for CAD faced a considerably elevated risk of all types of dementia compared to those in the lowest tertile.
“We provide evidence for an association between an elevated genetic risk for CAD and an increased risk of dementia,” the researchers stated.
Implications for Prevention:
These findings reinforce the growing understanding that heart health and brain health are inextricably linked. The study suggests that individuals with a genetic predisposition to heart disease may benefit from proactive lifestyle interventions and closer monitoring for cognitive decline.
“This research highlights the importance of addressing cardiovascular risk factors throughout life,not just to protect the heart,but also to perhaps safeguard against dementia,” says Dr.Michael Lee, Editor-in-Chief of world-today-news.com. “Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms underlying this connection and to develop targeted prevention strategies.”
Source: Circulation
Keywords: Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, Vascular Dementia, Coronary Artery Disease, CAD, Genetic risk, Lifestyle, Heart Health, Brain Health, Risk Factors, Prevention, UK Biobank, Life’s Essential 8.
