Diabetes continues to affect millions of adults worldwide. In 2024, nearly 589 million people were living with the condition, and most of them had type 2 diabetes, according to the International Diabetes Federation.
Beyond its well-known effects on the heart, type 2 diabetes also raises the risk of memory problems and dementia.
Researchers have long been searching for ways to reduce that risk.
A new study presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2025 offers promising insights.
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It found that people with type 2 diabetes who follow the American Heart Association’s “Life’s Essential 8” recommendations tend to have a lower chance of developing mild cognitive impairment or dementia.
The power of “Life’s Essential 8”
“Life’s Essential 8” is a set of habits designed to improve cardiovascular health.
It includes staying active, eating a nutritious diet, getting enough sleep, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and managing blood pressure.
Researchers analyzed health data from more than 15,000 adults with type 2 diabetes.
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Over 13 years, those who maintained moderate to high heart health had a 15 % lower risk of developing dementia compared to those with poor heart health.
Among participants with a genetic risk for dementia, those with better heart health reduced their risk even further.
The findings also showed a link between good cardiovascular health and larger brain volume, which may signal healthier brain aging.
Small habits and lasting benefits
Experts say these results highlight the connection between the heart and the brain.
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According to Dr. Yilin Yoshida, the study’s lead author, maintaining strong heart health could be a practical way to protect cognitive function, even for people with a genetic tendency toward dementia.
Cardiologist Dr. Rigved Tadwalkar agrees that lifestyle changes can make a real difference.
"It’s encouraging to see lifestyle factors having that much of an influence", he said to Medical News Today.
He suggests starting small, like walking daily or improving sleep quality, and building on those steps over time.
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While more research is needed, this study gives hope that managing everyday health factors could play a powerful role in reducing dementia risk among people with type 2 diabetes.
Source: Medical News Today.
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