Middle-aged men and women with diabetes or high blood pressure may face a higher risk for brain cell loss and thinking difficulties by the time they’re seniors, according to new research.The finding published in Neurology is based on a neuropsychological analysis involving more than 1400 seniors between the ages of 70 and 89. A review of medical records generated a timeline of all prior diabetes and high blood pressure diagnoses. And starting in 2005, MRI brain scans were used to identify signs of brain damage that could mark a heightened risk for future dementia. Seniors who had developed diabetes between the ages of 40 and 64 were found to have nearly 3% less brain volume and double the risk for thinking and memory difficulties than seniors who hadn’t. Seniors who had developed high blood pressure during middle age were seen to face double the risk for brain damage than those who hadn’t.The researchers say the findings highlight the long-term toll these diseases can have on brain health.I’m Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV with news from today that can lead to healthy tomorrows.

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