This research further links heart and brain health. Cardiovascular problems like heart attacks or stroke may also increase the onset of dementia. Taking positive actions, like treating high blood pressure, exercising, and changing diet can all help reduce dementia.

Researchers at the Memory Center in Lille, France, tracked 891 dementia patients over four years. Those who received treatment for their diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol did better on thinking and memory tests.. Yan Deschaintre, M.D co-author of the study explains that, "Most of the social and financial burden caused by Alzheimer's and dementia is generated by the later, more severe stages of the disease... by slowing dementia progression, treatment of vascular risk factors may delay the severe stages and have a significant impact on reducing the burden of dementia."

Approximately 5 million Americans and their families are affected by Alzheimer's disease, and the numbers are expected to swell as baby boomers age. Understanding these connections among related health concerns and dementia can have an impact on the way we treat Alzheimer's disease.