Research highlights the strong connection between heart and brain health, showing that improving cardiovascular health can help prevent cognitive decline and dementia. It underscores the shared biological mechanisms that link cardiac diseases to neurological impairment.
By Vijay Kumar MalesuReviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.Oct 13 2024 Protecting your heart not only keeps your body healthy but also shields your brain from cognitive decline. Learn how early interventions in heart health could help prevent dementia and improve brain function.
Studies reveal that adverse cardiac conditions, like increased left ventricular wall thickness, are associated with brain abnormalities, such as changes in white matter structure. Recent findings also point to the prevalence of silent brain infarcts, which occur without noticeable symptoms but contribute to long-term cognitive deterioration.
Studies have found that HF is often associated with cognitive decline, particularly in older adults. In fact, up to 43% of patients with HF exhibit some form of cognitive impairment. Cognitive functions like memory, attention, and executive function are frequently impaired in patients with HF. Reduced cardiac output and cerebral hypoperfusion are thought to contribute to this cognitive deterioration, as the brain receives less blood flow and oxygen.
CHD is another significant contributor to cognitive decline. The shared risk factors for CHD, such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol, are also risk factors for brain diseases like stroke and dementia. These risk factors not only accelerate systemic inflammation but also compromise the blood-brain barrier, allowing harmful substances to enter the brain and cause neuronal damage.
Dementia Heart Atrial Fibrillation Autonomic Nervous System Blood Cholesterol Cognitive Function Coronary Heart Disease Diabetes Heart Disease Heart Failure Inflammation Nervous System Nutrients Oxygen Research Stroke Vascular
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