Bengt Winblad, M.D., Ph.D.
Karolinska Institute
Stockholm, Sweden

2003 Investigator-Initiated Research Grant

A growing body of research hints that the benefits of “healthy aging” strategies may extend to helping individuals reduce their risk of developing dementia. This project aims to learn more about the impact of staying mentally, physically, and socially active as well as the potential value of controlling blood pressure.

These researchers will analyze data from 1,810 participants in the Kungsholmen Project, a long-term study of the medical, social, and psychological aspects of aging under way in Stockholm, Sweden, and supported in part by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. The investigators hope to clarify the mechanisms that underlie the possible association between social and mental activity and reduced dementia risk by asking such questions as: (1) Could personality differences account for the association seen in earlier studies? (2) What is an active life for an older adult? Should it include both mental and physical activity? and (3) Is social connectedness important?

The study also aims to determine the optimal blood pressure range for an older adult and whether rigorously maintaining blood pressure at this level may help reduce dementia risk. Previous studies have demonstrated that control of blood pressure helps reduce risk of cardiovascular disease.