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Quick, answer me this: When you are 55, would you rather live dementia-free for 30 more years, or have to settle for only around 17 years until you begin losing your cognitive powers?

Well, the choice is yours, according to a new study in Neurology Open Access. Researchers from NYU Grossman School of Medicine and colleagues in China looked at the impact of blood pressure, smoking and diabetes on 12,000 middle-aged people in the U.S. They found that avoiding diabetes, not smoking and maintaining a normal blood pressure (I call it 130/75; in the study, it was below 140/90) provided 13 more years of dementia-free living compared to folks who were burdened with all three dementia risk factors.

I have dedicated my career to helping you find out about all the ways you can maximize your brain power, longevity and happiness. For weight control -- it lowers diabetes, high blood pressure and dementia risks -- check out "You: On a Diet" and "What to Eat When." For help breaking the smoking habit, there's smokefree.gov and "This Is Your Do-Over: The 7 Secrets to Losing Weight, Living Longer, and Getting a Second Chance at the Life You Want." It will help you go step-by-step toward a healthier and more psychologically stable life.

In addition, check out the insights into the cutting-edge discoveries that power healthy longevity through lifestyle choices and smart medicine in my book "The Great Age Reboot" and my upcoming title "YOU: Getting Older, The Owner's Manual for Your Golden Years."

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 drmikerealage@gmail.com.

(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.

Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.