Bad health in 50s is linked to dementia

SUFFERING two or more chronic health problems in midlife more than doubles the risk of dementia, research suggests.

Illnesses such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and cancer all have an impact.

The research from University College London found that the risk is greater when conditions develop in our mid-50s rather than later in life.

Having two or more conditions aged 55 pushed up the risk of dementia two-and-a-half times. And every five years up to 70 onset of the illnesses increased risk by 18%

A UCL expert said: “Finding targets for prevention is imperative.”

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