Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Skipping Risk Factors Adds 13 Dementia-Free Years, Advocates Say

8/8/2026

29 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

NYU Study Shows

NYU Langone Health reported that avoiding high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and smoking from ages 45-65 added 13 dementia-free years.
The ARIC study followed over 12,000 U.S. adults for 26 years, recording 3,008 dementia cases and 5,238 deaths without dementia.
Participants with no risk factors lived 30.1 dementia-free years versus just over 17 years for those with all three, with dementia risk rising to 37 % by age 75.

Summary

Willis Urges Support

Emma Heming Willis released “The Unexpected Journey” in September, urging better U.S. caregiver support.
She said doctors gave only a pamphlet after Bruce Willis’s frontotemporal dementia diagnosis, leaving the family without guidance.
Their daughters, Mabel, 14, and Evelyn, 12, have developed resilience, patience, and kindness while helping care.
Willis noted that Bruce remains unaware of his dementia, describing it as both a blessing and a curse.

1 of 2

NYU Study Shows

NYU Langone Health reported that avoiding high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and smoking from ages 45-65 added 13 dementia-free years.
The ARIC study followed over 12,000 U.S. adults for 26 years, recording 3,008 dementia cases and 5,238 deaths without dementia.
Participants with no risk factors lived 30.1 dementia-free years versus just over 17 years for those with all three, with dementia risk rising to 37 % by age 75.

1 / 2