Women with Heart Disease at Greater Risk for Dementia Problems, Too

"Prevention and management" can reduce risk

Older women with heart disease are three times more likely to go on to develop problems with their thinking skills, according to a new study. Researchers from the Mayo Clinic believe that heart disease affects the general health of the blood vessels which then may affect blood flow to the brain and, subsequently, a woman's problem-solving, language and judgment skills. The problems are associated with certain types of dementia although they do not involve memory loss. "Prevention and management of cardiac disease and vascular risk factors are likely to reduce the risk," said lead author, Dr. Rosebud Roberts. The team evaluated 2,719 people aged between 70 to 89 at the beginning of the study and every 15 months after. (Telegraph)

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