A common form of dementia that’s often mistaken for Alzheimer’s can be prevented with good health habits, a new report says.
Vascular cognitive impairment, the second most common cause of dementia, occurs in up to 4% of Americans over age 65 and up to 20% of those with a form of dementia. Brain damage from multiple small strokes that can occur from narrowing or blocked arteries in the brain, is often the cause.
The report, in the December issue of Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource, notes that by lowering blood pressure, quitting smoking and keeping diabetes and cholesterol in check, people can reduce their risk.
Source: FreePress Newspaper, January 5, 2009; Kevin McKeever, HealthDay