Midlife Exercise and Blood Sugar Levels Linked to Slower Cognitive Decline
New research from UT Health San Antonio indicates that physical activity and healthy blood sugar levels during midlife may significantly slow cognitive decline later in life, particularly among Hispanic adults. The study highlights the importance of cardiovascular health factors in cognitive aging across different ethnic groups.
Research from UT Health San Antonio reveals that maintaining physical activity and healthy blood sugar levels during midlife may significantly slow cognitive decline in later years. This study, which involved 402 participants from San Antonio, found that exercise was particularly beneficial for Hispanic adults, while lower fasting blood glucose levels were linked to slower cognitive decline in non-Hispanic white participants. The study underscores the importance of cardiovascular health in relation to cognitive aging, especially as age-related conditions like dementia become more prevalent. Claudia Satizabal, PhD, and Chen-Pin Wang, PhD, co-authored the study published in "Alzheimer's & Dementia: Behavior & Socioeconomics of Aging". They noted that cardiovascular issues in midlife can elevate the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, with nearly 40% of Alzheimer's cases potentially connected to modifiable risk factors. The American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 (LS7) framework, which includes factors like diet, exercise, and blood pressure, serves as a measure of cardiovascular health and is linked to better cognitive performance. Despite the known disparities in Alzheimer's disease prevalence among Hispanic populations, this group remains underrepresented in research. The study aims to fill this gap by examining the relationship between midlife cardiovascular health and cognitive decline in both Hispanic and non-Hispanic white older adults. The findings suggest that engaging in physical activity and maintaining optimal fasting glucose levels are crucial for cognitive health. However, the researchers emphasize the need for further studies to explore these relationships in larger, more diverse populations. The ongoing San Antonio Heart and Mind Study (SAHMS) aims to gather additional data to enhance understanding of cognitive aging and its cardiovascular correlates. Overall, the study highlights the potential of lifestyle changes to alleviate the public health burden of Alzheimer's disease, particularly in high-risk populations.
