By Heart.org | Family Features Contributor
The same factors that elevate the risk of heart disease, the leading cause of mortality globally, also contribute to the increasing incidence of brain diseases such as stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia.
According to the American Heart Association’s Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2022 Update, the worldwide death rate from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia is rising at a faster pace than that of heart disease.
In 2020, over 54 million individuals were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and related dementias, marking a 37% rise since 2010 and a staggering 144% increase over the last three decades (1990-2020). Furthermore, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias accounted for more than 1.89 million fatalities worldwide that same year, whereas heart disease was responsible for nearly 9 million deaths.
“The rate at which brain disease is increasing globally is rapidly surpassing that of heart disease,” stated Mitchell S.V. Elkind, M.D. M.S., FAHA, former president of the American Heart Association (2020-21), a neurology and epidemiology professor at Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, and an attending neurologist at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. “We are uncovering more about the link between certain types of dementia and aging, as well as how some are attributed to poor vascular health. This connection highlights the importance of addressing vascular disease risk factors to significantly enhance longevity and health—free from both heart and brain diseases.”
“The rate at which brain disease is increasing globally is rapidly surpassing that of heart disease.”
Mitchell S.V. Elkind, M.D., M.S., FAHA
The statistics update indicates that individuals experiencing hypertension in midlife are five times more likely to suffer from global cognitive decline and about twice as likely to face diminished executive function, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, heart failure nearly doubles the risk for developing dementia.
Experts advise adopting practices that promote a healthy weight, effectively managing blood pressure, and engaging in heart-healthy lifestyle choices, all of which also foster better brain health. Research suggests that maintaining good vascular health is crucial for healthy aging and preserving cognitive abilities.
Optimal brain health encompasses skills necessary for various tasks such as movement, perception, learning and memory, communication, problem-solving, judgment, decision-making, and emotional regulation. Cognitive decline and dementia often follow stroke or cerebrovascular diseases, indicating a deterioration in brain health.
To foster a healthier lifestyle and shield both heart and brain health, consider the following recommendations:
- Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke.
- Achieve and sustain a healthy weight. Pay attention to dietary choices, opting for foods low in saturated fat, trans fat, sodium, and added sugars.
- Engage in physical activity; aim for a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate exercise (like brisk walking) per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, or a combination for improved cardiovascular health.
- Regularly monitor your blood pressure and collaborate with your healthcare team to control it if necessary.
- Schedule consistent medical checkups and adhere to prescribed medications.
- Manage stress effectively and seek emotional support when required.
Editor’s Note: Discover more about the connection between heart health and brain health at heart.org.
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