Finding new risk factors for stroke and cognitive decline

Although there is a great deal of research on the risk factors leading to heart disease, little is known about the risk factors for stroke. The researchers have previously conducted a three-year study, following 5804 people aged 70-82 years, measuring traditional risk factors such as blood cholesterol and blood pressure. Blood samples from participants were also stored to allow future measurement of ‘new’ risk factors. These may be linked to blood vessel inflammation and body fat content, and the study could help determine whether these new markers help predict stroke. Memory and thinking were also measured and will be used to determine if these markers predict those at greatest risk of dementia. This information could help detect people at risk of stroke and dementia in the future, and may suggest new ways of preventing these conditions.

Scientific Title: A role for novel candidate pathways in cerebrovascular disease cognitive decline in the elderly

Classification:
Prevention, Clinical Psychology

back to top|