3 Ways That Being Heart-Healthy Helps Your Brain

A growing body of research shows that habits which benefit your heart may also be good for brain health. It isn’t too late to make lifestyle changes: Even habits that you adopt later in life may help.

A report from the Global Council on Brain Health, an international collaborative of scientists, health professionals, scholars and policy experts convened by AARP, includes several recommendations for individuals to incorporate into their lives to keep heart and blood vessels healthy and reduce the risk for cognitive decline and dementia. Three key strategies are:

1. Managing blood sugar

High blood sugar levels may cause inflammation, which can harm brain cells and increase the risk of memory problems. Low blood sugar levels may be problematic, too: New research has shown that people with a history of very high and very low blood sugar levels are six times as likely to develop dementia.

2. Aim for 120 on blood pressure readings

A landmark study cited in the GCBH report found that keeping the first of your two blood pressure numbers less than 120 lowers risk for mild cognitive impairment, a condition that is often a precursor to dementia. Lead author Jeff D. Williamson, M.D., a gerontologist at Wake Forest School of Medicine, says the study proved that the same blood pressure goals that have lowered the risk of heart attacks, stroke, heart failure and death from heart disease by 30 percent have now been shown to lower early dementia by almost 20 percent. Making healthy lifestyle changes (even losing 10 pounds) can get you there. So can taking blood-pressure-lowering medication. Williamson recommends starting with medication, then asking your physician if you can taper off as you adopt healthier habits.

3. Quitting smoking

Smoking doesn’t just increase your risk of heart attack, stroke and irregular heartbeat, it also thins the brain area that controls memory, speech, language and perception. Lower volume in this part of the brain has been associated with mild depressive symptoms.

See the full article about how heart health and brain health are connected in 7 Ways to Keep Heart and Brain Strong. Find out more about how to protect your heart and brain in The Brain-Heart Connection.

_{This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide any expert, professional or specialty advice or recommendations. Readers are urged to consult with their medical providers for all questions.}