MIDDLE-aged people who smoke, have hypertension or diabetes have a significantly increased risk of developing dementia, latest research suggests. US researchers, who studied more than 11,000 people aged 46 to 70, found that current smokers were 70% more likely than those who had never smoked to develop dementia. The study also found that people with hypertension were 60% more likely to develop dementia than those without high blood pressure, and those with diabetes were more than twice as likely as those without diabetes to develop the condition. 'Our results emphasise the importance of early lifestyle modification and risk factor treatment to prevent dementia, the researchers said in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. Rebecca Wood, chief executive of the Alzheimers Research Trust, said: 'There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that looking after our hearts may be the most effective way to reduce dementia risk. 'With more research we may be able to find ways of preventing dementia. 1.4 million people in the UK will develop dementia within a generation, so we need to invest now, she added. NT