A new study has found a link between vascular diseases, specifically high blood pressure, diabetes, and increased risk for dementia. Vascular risk factors were higher in both female and Black participants, as well as non-carriers of the APOE ε4 gene, which is linked with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s.1
The statistical results of this cohort study suggest that between 22% and 44% of incident dementia cases by 80 years old were attributed to midlife and late-life vascular risk factors.
Interconnections in the Body
The onset of dementia is often connected to the health of the whole body. For example, studies have shown that illnesses such as anemia,2 diabetes mellitus,3 and cardiovascular disease all increase the risk of onset of dementia. Having fewer teeth is often related to poor health habits; these individuals have a higher risk of onset of dementia.
The vascular system refers to all the blood vessels that run through the body. These blood vessels move oxygen and nutrients throughout the body and are essential for removing waste products. The vascular system is part of the cardiovascular system. The cardiovascular system is the vessels and the heart.
The visual system and the brain are closely interconnected, so health issues that affect the brain also can cause or contribute to eye disease such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and even cataract onset.
AMD is accompanied by a general inflammatory response, in the form of complement system activation, similar to that observed in degenerative vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis.4 This is often related to endothelial dysfunction (ED), which can result in vascular injury. Inflammation can play a key role in contributing to ED.
High cholesterol, for example, can result in vascular disease as discussed below. Fixing problems in cholesterol metabolism could stave off onset of macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness.5
Additionally, vascular disease can increase your chances of developing other health issues, including heart attack and stroke, and can worsen kidney disease.
High blood pressure and vascular disease can damage the small vessels that supply the brain, leading to chronic ischemia (lack of oxygen) and brain tissue damage.
Understanding Vascular Dementia
Vascular dementia, sometimes called multi-infarct dementia, is the second most prevalent form of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. It describes a decline in cognitive abilities—such as memory, reasoning, and problem-solving—resulting from reduced blood flow to the brain. This impaired circulation can stem from various causes, including strokes, transient ischemic attacks (mini-strokes), or atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
Individuals affected by vascular dementia may also experience physical symptoms, such as weakness on one side of the body, vision disturbances, or difficulties with speech. When mini-strokes are involved, each event can leave behind small areas of brain tissue damage, particularly in the cortex.
Those diagnosed with subcortical vascular dementia frequently show slowed mental processing and struggle with executive functions like planning and organizing.
Vascular dementia is often linked to underlying issues with blood lipids, known as dyslipidemia—meaning there are abnormal levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, or other fats in the bloodstream. While the connection between high cholesterol and Alzheimer’s disease remains under debate, several studies have noted a significant association between elevated cholesterol and an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s.6 7
Self Help to Improve Your Health
You can make lifestyle changes to help improve your brain, heart and overall health.
Exercise Regularly
A new study further confirms many other earlier studies the benefits of regular exercise, including helping protect the brain from Alzheimer’s disease on a cellular level. Scientists in this study focused on the hippocampus of the brain, which is responsible for making new memories and keeping old ones, as well as processing emotions and learning new information.
Particular attention was paid to the positive benefits to microglia cells in the brain, which are associated with the brain’s blood vessels that help make sure the brain receives enough oxygen and is an important part of the blood-brain barrier. The study results indicated that exercise increased their neuroprotective properties.
Exercise also promotes neurogenesis, which is the production of new brain cells.
Eat a Healthy Diet
“You are what you eat” is literal. Donuts, fast food, fries, fatty meats, sugary snacks, high-fat dairy products, and soda do not contain the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. Instead, eat plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. For more information on eating healthy, go to https://naturaleyecare.com/articles/mediterranean-diet/
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Keeping your weight within a healthy range is important for your overall well-being. If you are overweight or living with obesity, even a modest weight loss of 3–5% can have positive effects—such as helping to reduce your cholesterol levels and supporting better health overall.
Manage Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
Keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol within healthy ranges is essential for heart and brain health. Visit your doctor regularly to test your levels and get treatment before disease gets out of control. Adopting a balanced diet, staying physically active, managing stress, and practicing good sleep hygiene can all help support these goals naturally.
Evidence suggests that dietary approaches like the DASH diet may help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and reduce the buildup of plaque in the arteries. The DASH plan emphasizes foods such as lean meats, fish, poultry, and low-fat dairy products.
A 2021 study found that people who combined healthy eating with increased physical activity experienced a slower progression of atherosclerosis (the hardening and narrowing of arteries) compared to those who did not make these changes.8
Chronic inflammation is also linked to the development of arterial plaque. Consuming pro-inflammatory foods may contribute to cardiovascular problems, so focusing on an anti-inflammatory diet can be beneficial for overall vascular health.9
Limit Screen Time Before Bed
To support healthy sleep, step away from your computer and put down your phone at least one to two hours before going to bed. The blue light from screens can disrupt your natural circadian rhythm, making it harder to fall asleep.
Instead, consider calming activities in the evening, such as practicing relaxation techniques or reading a physical book. These habits can help quiet your mind and relax your nervous system, setting the stage for a better night’s rest.
Circadian dysfunction also impacts negatively on immune, metabolic, and cardiovascular systems.10 11 Increasing evidence indicates that circadian rhythms play an important role in the pathogenesis of many ailments, including neurodegenerative diseases.12 13 14
Circadian rhythms are significantly disturbed in people with Alzheimer’s Disease. There is growing evidence that circadian disruption may not just be a symptom, but could actually contribute to the development and progression of Alzheimer’s. Poor sleep and irregular rhythms may affect how the brain clears amyloid-beta, a protein linked to Alzheimer’s Disease.
Manage Stress
Studies have shown that stress has many effects on the human nervous system and can cause structural changes in different parts of the brain, especially the hippocampus. This includes the person’s response to stress, cognition, behavior, and memory.15 16 17
During extended periods of high stress, neuron growth decreases18 19 and the hippocampus can shrink in size.20 Both psychological and emotional stress, experienced over time, causes the body to stay in a “flight and fight” mode, which can result in autoimmune disease, chronic inflammation, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, stroke, digestive issues, fertility difficulties, depression, anxiety, memory (especially spatial memory),21 and cognitive problems, as well as behavioral, cognitive, and mood disorders.22
Smoking and Alcohol
Quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake. Smoking increases the risk of atherosclerosis.23
Suggested Supplements
Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula (whole food) 60 vcaps
Dr. Grossman’s Meso Plus Retinal Support and Computer Eye Strain Formula with Astaxanthin 90 vcaps
Dr. Grossman’s Advanced Eye and Dr. G’s Whole Food Superfood Multi1 20 Vcap Combo – 2 months supply
Nitric Oxide Supplement – helps promote increased oxygen through the body and eyes.
NMN Wonderfeel Capsul 60 vegcaps
Dr. Grossman’s Premium Turmeric Vcaps (Organic)
Brain and Memory Power Boost 120 caps
Cognirev Extra Strength 2 oz Oral Spray
Packages
Brain and Memory Support Package 1
AMD Package 1 (3-month supply)
Recommended Books
Natural Eye Care: Your Guide to Healthy Vision and Healing – on backorder for 2-3 weeks
Natural Parkinson’s Support: Your Guide to Preventing and Managing Parkinson’s
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/article-abstract/2834600 ↩
- Hong CH, Falvey C, Harris TB, Simonsick EM, Satterfield S, et al. (2013). Anemia and risk of dementia in older adults: findings from the Health ABC study. Neurology. Aug 6;81(6): 528-33. ↩
- Biessels GJ, Staekenborg S, Brunner E, Brayne C, Scheltens P. (2006). Risk of dementia in diabetes mellitus: a system review. Lancet Neurol. Jan;5(1)64-74. ↩
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25702256/ ↩
- https://medicine.washu.edu/news/strategy-to-prevent-age-related-macular-degeneration-identified/?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter&user_id=66c4c6cf600ae15075a21764 ↩
- Obesity and vascular risk factors at midlife and the risk of dementia and Alzheimer disease. Kivipelto M, Ngandu T, Fratiglioni L, Viitanen M, Kåreholt I, Winblad B, Helkala EL, Tuomilehto J, Soininen H, Nissinen A Arch Neurol. 2005 Oct; 62(10):1556-60. ↩
- Midlife cardiovascular risk factors and risk of dementia in late life. Whitmer RA, Sidney S, Selby J, Johnston SC, Yaffe K Neurology. 2005 Jan 25; 64(2):277-81. ↩
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1936878X20309414 ↩
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9237541/ ↩
- Scheiermann C, Kunisaki Y, Frenette PS. (2013). Circadian control of the immune system. Nat Rev Immunol. Mar; 13(3):190-8. ↩
- Hermida RC, Ayala DE, Smolensky MH, Mojón A, Fernández JR, et al. (2013). Chronotherapy improves blood pressure control and reduces vascular risk in CKD. Nat Rev Nephrol. Jun; 9(6):358-68. ↩
- Levi F, Schibler U. (2007). Circadian rhythms: mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol. 2007;47():593-628. ↩
- Sahar S, Sassone-Corsi P. (2009). Metabolism and cancer: the circadian clock connection. Nat Rev Cancer. Dec; 9(12):886-96. ↩
- Coogan AN, Schutová B, Husung S, Furczyk K, Baune BT, et al. (2013). The circadian system in Alzheimer’s disease: disturbances, mechanisms, and opportunities. J Biol Psychiatry. Sep 1; 74(5):333-9. ↩
- Lupien SJ, McEwen BS, Gunnar MR, Heim C. (2009). Effects of stress throughout the lifespan on the brain, behavior and cognition Nat Rev Neurosci. Jun; 10(6):434-45. ↩
- Lupien SJ, Lepage M. (2001). Stress, memory, and the hippocampus: can’t live with it, can’t live without it. Behav Brain Res. Dec 14; 127(1-2):137-58. ↩
- Issa AM, Rowe W, Gauthier S, Meaney MJ. (1990). Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activity in aged, cognitively impaired and cognitively unimpaired rats. J Neurosci. Oct; 10(10):3247-54. ↩
- Gould E, Tanapat P. (1999). Stress and hippocampal neurogenesis. Biol Psychiatry. Dec 1; 46(11):1472-9. ↩
- Köhler S, Thomas AJ, Lloyd A, Barber R, Almeida OP, et al. (2010). White matter hyperintensities, cortisol levels, brain atrophy and continuing cognitive deficits in late-life depression. Br J Psychiatry. Feb; 196(2):143-9. ↩
- Squire, L.R; Schacter DL (2002). The Neuropsychology of Memory. Guilford Press. ↩
- Borcel E, Pérez-Alvarez L, Herrero AI, Brionne T, Varea E, et al. (2008). Chronic stress in adulthood followed by intermittent stress impairs spatial memory and the survival of newborn hippocampal cells in aging animals: prevention by FGL, a peptide mimetic of neural cell adhesion molecule. Behav Pharmacol. Feb; 19(1):41-9. ↩
- Wang C, Wang W, Dong H, Hou P, et al. (2008). Chronic mild stress impairs cognition in mice: from brain homeostasis to behavior. Life Sci. Apr 23; 82(17-18):934-42. ↩
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/about-cholesterol/atherosclerosis ↩
