Why a Healthy Heart = A Sharp Mind (Surprising Link!)

We’ve long known that heart health plays a critical role in overall wellness, but new research reveals how deeply the heart and brain are connected.

In a groundbreaking scientific statement, the American Heart Association (AHA) has linked three common cardiovascular diseases to an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

This revelation underscores a key point…

Protecting your heart isn’t just about preventing heart attacks—it’s also about preserving your brain function as you age.

Researchers have understood for some time that the heart and the brain influence each other.

For example, heart failure can reduce blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of cognitive decline. On the other hand, strokes that affect certain parts of the brain can impair heart function.

However, the AHA’s new statement takes this understanding one step further. It shows that common heart conditions may contribute to cognitive impairment through links such as inflammation and the presence of harmful biomarkers—like amyloid, a protein associated with Alzheimer’s.

Researchers found that the inflammation driving heart disease is remarkably similar to the inflammatory processes in the brain during cognitive decline. This inflammation, along with factors like hypertension and diabetes, can alter how the brain processes and clears harmful proteins, including amyloid.

The research also reveals that specific genetic markers increase a person’s risk for heart and brain disorders. This suggests that the connection between these two organs begins as early as conception.

The AHA’s findings reveal the vital role of early intervention. Researchers stress that the earlier you address heart health, the greater your chances are of staving off cognitive decline.

While some factors, such as genetics, can’t be controlled, many of the key drivers of heart disease and cognitive decline—including hypertension, diabetes, and obesity—can be addressed with simple lifestyle changes.

This means that taking steps to protect your heart, such as eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and managing stress, can also protect your brain.

We still have a lot to learn about the heart-brain link. However, the following actionable steps are good for your health regardless of what else we learn about the relationship…

• Stay on Top of Heart Health: Regularly monitor and manage critical cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Early detection and treatment of heart disease can reduce the risk of long-term damage to both the heart and brain.
• Embrace Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Since inflammation plays a significant role in heart disease and cognitive decline, adopting an anti-inflammatory diet is vital. Focus on nutrient-rich foods like leafy greens, berries, fatty fish, and nuts. These foods can help reduce inflammation and protect both your heart and brain.
• Exercise Regularly: Physical activity boosts heart function, improves circulation, and enhances cognitive performance. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week, such as walking, swimming, or cycling.

Lifestyle changes are essential; however, in some cases, supplements can provide extra support for heart and brain health. Here are a few to consider…

• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): CoQ10 plays a critical role in energy production and improves heart health, particularly in those with heart failure. Some studies suggest it also helps protect cognitive function by reducing oxidative stress in the brain.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These healthy fats, found in fish oil supplements, are well-known for their heart-protective properties. Omega-3s also support brain health by reducing inflammation and promoting the structural integrity of brain cells.
• Turmeric (Curcumin): This potent anti-inflammatory supports heart and brain health. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, can help reduce inflammation and may discourage the buildup of amyloid plaques, which are linked to Alzheimer’s.
• Magnesium: Magnesium helps regulate blood pressure and supports overall heart function. The mineral also plays a role in protecting brain health by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and supporting cognitive function.

When you take steps to protect your cardiovascular system, you’re also protecting your cognitive function.

P.S. Surprising veggie hack for better heart health.

Source:

AHA Scientific Statement Links Three Common Cardiovascular Diseases to Cognitive Decline, Dementia – Medscape – October 18, 2024.