How a healthy young heart could cut risk of Alzheimer's: People with low blood pressure and cholesterol in their 20s have better brain function 25 years later

• Study is one of the first long-term studies into Alzheimer's
• It checked 3,330 18 to 30-year-olds every two to five years
• There are 800,000 people living with dementia in the UK

Young people who keep their hearts healthy may be less likely to suffer Alzheimer's in later life, say researchers.

They found those with healthier levels of blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol in their 20s had better brain function 25 years later.

People with small signs of deteriorating heart health when young were less likely to score well in cognitive tests in middle-age.

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Dementia diagnosis drive raises concern

Questions are being raised about the government's drive to increase dementia diagnosis rates in England.

Fewer than half of the estimated 670,000 people with dementia have a formal diagnosis, but ministers want to see this rise to two-thirds by 2015.

But a GP writing in the British Medical Journal warned the push could lead to over-diagnosis.

Meanwhile, the Alzheimer's Society said it was being undermined by the lack of support after diagnosis.

There is no cure for dementia, but there is some evidence that access to drug treatment and services, such as memory clinics, and activities such as singing and physical exercise, can help people remain independent for longer.

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