Fact 2: Age as a Crucial Determining Factor
As we continue our exploration into VaD and life expectancy, the role of age emerges as a significant determinant. Like many health conditions, the impact of VaD on life expectancy is largely influenced by the patient’s age at diagnosis. Older individuals who receive a VaD diagnosis tend to have a shorter life expectancy compared to those diagnosed at a younger age.
The connection between age and life expectancy in VaD patients can be attributed to several factors. Primarily, the risk of additional health complications increases with age. Strokes and heart diseases, for instance, are more common in older adults. These health complications are serious in their own right, and they can further exacerbate the symptoms of VaD, leading to a faster cognitive decline.
Another aspect to consider is the body’s natural ability to heal and regenerate, which unfortunately diminishes as we age. Once brain damage occurs due to VaD, the older bodies are less capable of managing and repairing the damage. This inability to effectively cope with the disease’s progression accelerates cognitive decline, further shortening life expectancy. (2)
