Cardiovascular health is extremely crucial to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Dementia, on the other hand, is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases affecting millions of people worldwide.

Although both these ailments might seem unrelated at first glance, research suggests that one’s cardiovascular health can affect the onset and progression of dementia.

In this article, we’ll dive into the relationship between cardiovascular health and dementia and explore the link between the two.

What is Cardiovascular Health?

Cardiovascular health refers to the health and functionality of the heart and blood vessels.

Good cardiovascular health implies that the heart can pump blood efficiently throughout the body, and the blood vessels are flexible and free from blockages or obstructions.

Factors such as unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can affect cardiovascular health.

If a person has poor cardiovascular health, they are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, stroke, or heart attack.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a broad category of diseases that affect cognitive functioning, including memory, language, and decision-making skills. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia.

Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy Body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.

Dementia is a degenerative disease that can cause significant disability and dependency. Although there’s no cure for dementia, early detection and management of risk factors can help slow the progression of the disease.

The Link between Cardiovascular Health and Dementia

Research studies have established a strong connection between cardiovascular health and dementia.

A study conducted in 2018 by the Lancet Commission highlighted that 40% of dementia cases might have a link to various risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including mid-life obesity and hypertension.

The study suggests that actively managing cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, smoking, and high blood cholesterol might help decrease dementia incidence.

How does Cardiovascular Health Affect Dementia?

The brain requires a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood to perform its functions.

Good cardiovascular health ensures that blood vessels leading to the brain are healthy and free from blockages, delivering adequate oxygen and nutrient supply to the brain cells.

A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease suggests that vascular factors such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, heart disease, and diabetes may damage the blood vessels in the brain and impact cognitive functioning, leading to dementia.

In some cases, dementia is a result of a series of small strokes or transient ischemic attacks, also known as mini-strokes. Cardiovascular diseases can cause these mini-strokes and increase the risk of dementia.

Ways to Improve Cardiovascular Health to Prevent Dementia

Here are some ways to improve cardiovascular health and, in turn, decrease the risk of dementia:.

1. Regular Exercise

Physical activity is essential for cardiovascular health and also helps reduce stress and anxiety. Studies suggest that exercise can delay the onset of dementia and slow down its progression.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day.

2. Healthy Diet

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can promote cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of dementia. Research suggests that a Mediterranean-style diet can help lower the risk of cognitive decline.

3. Quit Smoking

Smoking is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and dementia. Quitting smoking can improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of dementia.

4. Manage Chronic Conditions

Conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes can affect cardiovascular health and increase the risk of dementia.

Proper management of these conditions, including regular checkups and medications, can help improve cardiovascular health and prevent dementia.

Conclusion

Cardiovascular health and dementia are closely linked, and actively managing cardiovascular risk factors can decrease the incidence of dementia.

A healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, healthy eating, and quitting smoking can help improve cardiovascular health and decrease the risk of dementia.