Dementia is a serious condition that affects memory, thinking, and the ability to cope with everyday life.
There is no cure, and researchers have therefore long sought to identify factors that may help prevent the disease.
Until now, obesity and high blood pressure have primarily been viewed as risk factors rather than direct causes.
A new study challenges this perspective. Instead of focusing on the treatment of dementia, the research suggests that intervention earlier in life may be crucial.
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What the researchers did
The study was published on January 22 in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.
The researchers analyzed genetic and health data from large population groups in Denmark and the United Kingdom, according to SciTechDaily.
They used a method known as Mendelian randomization. This approach makes it possible to determine whether a factor actually causes a disease rather than merely being associated with it.
The method reduces the influence of lifestyle and environmental factors, thereby providing more reliable results.
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A clear link
The results show that both high body weight and high blood pressure may be direct causes of dementia.
At the same time, the analysis indicates that blood pressure plays a central role in the link between obesity and dementia, according to the researchers behind the study.
Previous trials have shown that weight-loss medications do not help once dementia symptoms have already appeared.
The new study therefore suggests that prevention must take place earlier.
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According to the researchers, controlling weight and blood pressure before the first cognitive symptoms emerge may reduce the risk of dementia, particularly vascular dementia.
Sources: SciTechDaily, and The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
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