Good for the heart, good for the brain

With age comes wisdom, gathered over a lifetime for which there is no equal. However, old age is also accompanied by declining body functions, such as a failing heart, and very often, a compromised brain. Dementia, a condition in which a person may struggle with normal day-to-day activities as a result of declining memory and brain function, is common in the elderly. However, some people are more likely to develop dementia than others, and several studies have attempted to identify the factors that predispose a person to develop dementia. Dementia is common neurological disorder with increasing prevalence as life expectancy increases. Heart disease results in vascular insufficiency which has potential to impair functions in other organs including brain.

A neuropsychologist, Dr. Ruth Peters, has been researching the factors within our control that could contribute to dementia.The research, presented in the form of an infographic, is a compilation of results from various clinical trials and dementia studies. The studies identify factors that could result in progression of dementia, such as consumption of fatty food as well as living in polluted areas, both of which have been shown to be contributing factors for dementia. On the other hand, maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise as well as through lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels ensures the health of the heart, and in turn the brain, thus retarding the advent of dementia. In simple terms, when the blood circulation in the body is optimum, the risk of dementia is low.

Several studies have shown that heart disease & cardiovascular risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, hyper-cholestremia, obesity & smoking are independently associated with development of dementia. There is also positive correlation between atherosclerotic & ischaemic heart disease with cognitive impairment & reduced hippocampal volume probably due to platelet hyperactivity, increased senile plaque formation in cortical areas of brain.

Heart disease like IHD, HTN, heart failure & AF if manifest in midlife are associated with development of dementia in later life so early treatment & prevention could delay the onset of dementia.

What keeps the heart healthy can also keep the brain functioning adequately. This association is possibly due to the fact that healthy arteries and veins ensure a constant supply of oxygen to and removal of toxic wastes from the brain, thus minimizing risk of brain degenerative diseases such as dementia. Improving blood circulation in the body can have long-ranging effects on the whole body.

The brain is greatly benefited by a healthy heart, and taking good care of your heart will ensure that your brain stays healthy for longer.

Ref:
1. Peters R, Schuchman M, Peters J, et al., Curr Hypertens Rep. 2016 Aug;18(8):66.
The article has been contributed by :
Dr. Shailesh Jagdish Patil, MD (Medicine), D M (Cardiology), Advance Training in Complex Angioplasty (Germany), Consultant Cardiologist, Ashwini Sahakari Rugnalaya, Hrudayam Heart Clinic, Solapur

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