Strategy 8: Cardiovascular Health – The Heart-Brain Connection
The heart and brain are intricately connected. The heart pumps blood to the brain, supplying it with the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function properly. If the heart’s functioning is compromised, it can impact the brain, potentially leading to cognitive decline and dementia.
Cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol can damage blood vessels, disrupting blood flow to the brain. Over time, this can lead to brain cell death, contributing to cognitive decline and increasing the risk of dementia.
Regular exercise is a key strategy in managing cardiovascular risk factors. Exercise lowers blood pressure, improves glucose control, and lowers cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of cognitive decline.
A heart-healthy diet, one that is low in saturated fats and high in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, can also help manage cardiovascular risk factors. Furthermore, this diet overlaps significantly with a brain-healthy diet, creating a win-win situation for both your heart and brain.
As with dementia prevention, regular health check-ups are essential to maintain cardiovascular health. These check-ups can monitor cardiovascular risk factors, ensuring they are well-managed, and mitigating their potential impact on brain health. (8)
