ArcaMax

Analysis of the health status of U.S. adults ages 65 and older indicates that 2.7 million folks are living with vascular dementia (impaired supply of blood to the brain, often caused by mini-strokes) or mixed dementia (vascular causes plus Alzheimer's, Lewy Body or frontotemporal dementia). But only around 800,000 folks have been diagnosed with the conditions, even though vascular or mixed subtypes account for almost a third of dementia cases.

Who's at risk? Anyone whose lifestyle choices negatively affect cardiovascular health, according to a new study in Stroke. The researchers' conclusion: If you have high blood pressure, diabetes and/or obesity, or you smoke, you're doing damage to your cardio system that directly impacts your brain health.

What can you do to prevent or reverse obesity (and overweight), Type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure and dodge dementia?

-- Prevention comes from a plant-based diet free of highly processed foods, red meats, red processed meats and added sugars and salt. You also reduce dementia risk by taking 10,000 steps or the equivalent daily, plus two strength-building sessions weekly. Having a posse and a purpose to ease stress and counter loneliness also protects your heart and brain.

-- To control or reverse the risks of high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity, in addition to lifestyle upgrades, you may take antihypertensive medications, statins and/or GLP-1s, omega-3s and vitamin D supplements, and explore therapeutic plasma exchange.

For more details on dozens of ways to protect -- or reclaim -- your heart and brain health, check out 4YOUngevity.com and my book, "The Great Age Reboot."

Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.

(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.

Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.