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(Ivanhoe Newswire) Could a childs score on an IQ test predict whether he or she will develop dementia later in life?
Scottish researchers say it could be a good indicator. They compared the rate of vascular dementia among people with lower and higher IQ scores on tests taken when they were children. Results from impaired blood flow to the brain were 40 percent more likely to have scored lower on the IQ tests when they were kids.
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Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia behind Alzheimers disease. A diagnosis of Alzheimers disease, however, did not appear to be linked to childhood IQ scores.
The authors believe their study shows low childhood IQ scores are a risk factor for vascular dementia. The results also debunk theories suggesting people with higher IQs are less likely to develop vascular dementia because they have a larger cognitive reserve that keeps the condition from revealing itself, even though it may be affecting their brains.
So, can anything be done to ward off the development of vascular dementia in high risk people? Yes, say the investigators. Controllable risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking all things people can avoid with better diets and more exercise.
SOURCE: Neurology, published online June 25, 2008
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