A new study reveals that men with risk factors for heart disease, such as obesity and high blood pressure, may experience a decline in brain health up to a decade earlier than women with similar risks.

Conducted by researchers at Imperial College London, the study found that men are most susceptible to brain shrinkage, a condition often associated with aging and Alzheimer’s disease, between the ages of 55 and 74. In contrast, women are most vulnerable between 65 and 74 years.

The study also identified specific brain regions most affected by heart disease risk factors. These include areas responsible for processing sensory information, emotions, and memory, highlighting the significant impact of heart health on cognitive function.