Healthy Heart, Sharper Mind?

Having a healthy heart is great for longevity. But it may come as a surprise to learn that it may also be good for our memory and other cognitive functions. New research suggests that much of what’s healthy for a person’s heart may also benefit their brain. 

Taking Good Care of the Heart

Choices like not smoking and staying in a healthy weight range are good for our heart and these great choices are often billed as exactly that: heart-healthy. But a new study published in Neurology shows that of the things that are great for our hearts, there may also be a link to brain health and memory in old age. 

Genes and cognitive test scores may play a role, but the heart-healthy steps we take in life may be protecting more than just our tickers. Those who take good care of their heart health may also significantly reduce their chances of Alzheimer’s disease. Seriously.

Reduction in Alzheimer’s Disease

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. The chances of getting Alzheimer’s rise with age and memory loss is one of the main symptoms. People who have this condition also struggle with declines in reasoning and changes in behavior. 

In most cases, studies and medical professionals look for factors that contribute to Alzheimer’s. But the study in Neurology focused on the things that protect people from the condition instead. In the study, researchers noted that what keeps someone healthy isn’t always the opposite of what makes them sick. Would that it were that easy! There can be other factors at play too though. 

The Importance of a Healthy Vascular System

One study looked at 100 people who didn’t have any signs of Alzheimer’s disease and followed them for 12 to 14 years. The average age of participants at the end of the study was 90 years or older. Participants took cognitive tests and answered health questions at the start of the study, then had clinical evaluations and PET scans every two years.  

A hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease is a buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain. A PET scan can show these plaques. When study participants had healthy blood vessels, they were less likely to develop plaques that can indicate Alzheimer’s. Researchers focused mostly on pulse pressure, which is a measurement that relates to blood pressure. Participants who had better pulse pressure, and therefore better vascular health, were the least likely to develop these Alzheimer’s-causing plaques during the study period. 

While people don’t get health guarantees, having ways to improve health and wellness may be very valuable potentially. Since current studies indicate people who take good care of their hearts may also be taking good care of their brains, that's a great place to start. And there's the added benefit that focusing on one idea can help prevent overwhelm and decision paralysis. That’s a winning combination that may well lead to an excellent healthy future. 

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