A groundbreaking new study presented at the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2025 suggests that maintaining good cardiovascular health could significantly reduce the risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in people with type 2 diabetes, even for those genetically predisposed to such conditions.
According to the International Diabetes Federation, around 589 million adults worldwide were living with diabetes in 2024, with over 90% of them diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
The condition is already known to raise the risk of several complications, including kidney disease, nerve damage, and heart problems. Now, evidence shows it may also increase the likelihood of cognitive decline.
Dr. Yilin Yoshida, a diabetes epidemiologist and assistant professor at Tulane University School of Medicine, reported that individuals with type 2 diabetes have about a 50% higher risk of developing MCI or dementia, including Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.
However, Yoshida’s latest research offers hope that proactive heart care could protect brain health.
The study focused on the AHA’s “Life’s Essential 8” = a set of lifestyle and clinical health metrics designed to promote cardiovascular wellness.
These include staying physically active, eating a healthy diet, getting sufficient sleep, controlling cholesterol, maintaining a healthy weight, managing blood sugar and blood pressure, and avoiding smoking.
Researchers analyzed health and genetic data from more than 35,000 adults, including 15,000 participants with type 2 diabetes.
Over a 13-year follow-up period, they discovered that those with moderate to high cardiovascular health had a 15% lower risk of developing dementia and MCI compared to those with poor heart health.
Even more notably, participants with a high genetic risk of dementia reduced their MCI risk by 27% and dementia risk by 23% through better cardiovascular management.
“These findings highlight that dementia risk isn’t predetermined,” Dr. Yoshida explained. “Comprehensive lifestyle management provides a modifiable and actionable pathway to preserve brain function, even among those at high genetic risk.”
Experts not involved in the study echoed similar sentiments. Dr. Peter Gliebus, chief of neurology at the Marcus Neuroscience Institute, emphasized that while genetics play a role, lifestyle changes remain a powerful defense.
“It confirms that the heart and brain are deeply connected – maintaining cardiovascular health can meaningfully reduce cognitive decline,” he said.
Cardiologist Dr. Rigved Tadwalkar of the Pacific Heart Institute added that everyday habits, not expensive treatments, make the biggest impact.
“Start small,” he advised. “Even simple changes like walking daily or improving sleep can add up to major long-term benefits.”
As type 2 diabetes continues to affect millions worldwide, this research underscores a hopeful message: taking care of your heart could also safeguard your brain.
By following the AHA’s Life’s Essential 8, individuals may not only improve heart health but also delay or even prevent cognitive decline later in life.
