Study Links Poor Heart Health to Higher Dementia Risk Among Black Americans

A new University of Georgia study warns that poor heart health—specifically midlife diabetes and hypertension—may set the stage for dementia later in life, especially among Black Americans. Researchers discovered that individuals with both conditions had elevated levels of a dementia-related biomarker over a decade later, signaling early brain aging. “This matters,” said Rachael Weaver, lead author and sociology graduate student at UGA. “When these two conditions show up together in midlife, they might start a chain reaction leading to brain aging.” The study underscores the urgency of preventive care and early intervention, particularly within communities already at higher risk. With Black Americans disproportionately affected by hypertension and diabetes, the findings highlight a critical health equity issue—and a call to act before cognitive decline takes root.