Men With Heart Risks Face Dementia a Decade Earlier Than Women, Study Finds

Research highlights the impact of cardiovascular and obesity-related factors on brain health, urging earlier intervention for men.

A study involving over 34,000 participants from the UK Biobank found that men with cardiovascular risk factors, such as obesity and diabetes, may develop dementia up to 10 years earlier than women.
Brain scans revealed that men with poor heart health experienced greater declines in brain volume and cognitive function starting in their mid-50s, compared to women who showed similar effects in their mid-60s.
Key brain regions affected include those responsible for memory, emotional processing, auditory and visual perception—areas commonly linked to early dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
The study emphasizes the importance of addressing modifiable risk factors like obesity, smoking, and high blood pressure in men before age 55 to reduce the likelihood of neurodegeneration.
Researchers suggest that lifestyle changes and potential use of weight-loss drugs, such as Ozempic, could help mitigate risks and support brain health.