Takeaway
A higher stroke risk was associated with reduced brain integrity and cognitive impairments. The Framingham 10-year probability stroke risk score may be relevant for prevention of stroke risk as well as prevention of gray matter atrophy in younger ages.
Why this matters
Individual vascular risk factors of stroke such as hypertension, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, smoking and obesity in midlife are associated with an increased risk of vascular brain injury and poor cognitive performance. Recent evidence suggests that a combination of vascular risk factors may increase the rate of cognitive decline. Understanding the association between cerebrovascular health and brain integrity and cognition is important in allowing preventative measures to be taken to preserve brain health and cognition in later life.