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Although February has come to a close, I wanted to share some thoughts on Heart Health Month by highlighting the critical ways in which heart health and brain health go hand-in-hand.
Both heart disease and Alzheimer’s share many of the same modifiable risk factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, physical inactivity, and poor diet. By addressing these risk factors, we protect not only our cardiovascular system but also reduce our risk of cognitive decline.
As you know at the Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation (ARPF), we use the 4 Pillars of Alzheimer’s Prevention® – Diet & Supplements, Stress Management, Physical & Mental Exercise, and Spiritual Fitness – to guide our strategies for overall health. Here’s how each pillar can strengthen your heart while also safeguarding your brain:
1. Diet & Supplements
– A predominantly plant-based, Mediterranean-style diet supports healthy blood vessels, which reduces the workload on the heart and may improve blood flow from your heart to the brain.
2. Stress Management
– Chronic stress can worsen hypertension and inflammation, both major risk factors for heart disease and Alzheimer’s. Techniques like yoga or Kirtan Kriya meditation help lower stress hormones and promote healthy blood pressure.
3. Physical & Mental Exercise
– Regular physical activity not only lowers the risk of heart disease but also enhances blood flow to the brain, supporting clearer thinking and reduced dementia risk. Mental exercises keep cognitive function sharp, complementing heart-healthy habits.
4. Spiritual Fitness
– A sense of purpose and connectedness can decrease inflammation and encourage a heart-healthy lifestyle, while also improving mental well-being and cognitive resilience. |
