Heart Health and Alzheimer's Disease
The health of the heart and the health of the brain are inseparably linked. The heart is responsible for supplying the brain with fresh blood. This blood contains the nutrients the brain needs to create and repair brain cells and is also responsible for clearing out the waste products the brain generates. Anything which affects the health of the heart also affects the health of the brain, for better or for worse.
Researchers have found several key factors which influence both the health of the heart and the health of the brain.
Exercise Improves Heart and Brain Health
Regular exercise is beneficial to the heart and brain in both the long and short term. Short term, the brain is flushed with fresh blood, delivering fresh nutrients and clearing out waste products. Long term, exercise strengthens the heart enabling it to better keep your brain, and the other parts of your body, healthy.
Regular exercise has been shown to have a major reduction in the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Learn More: Exercise and Alzheimer's
Smoking Damages the Brain and Heart
It has been long known that smoking damages both the heart and brain, but recent evidence has emerged showing that smoking does more damage than previously believed.
In addition to the well-known brain shrinkage associated with smoking, smoking can also double your risk of developing Alzheimer's. Fortunately, many individuals see a significant improvement of their symptoms after quitting smoking.
Learn More: Smoking and Alzheimer's
Diet Dramatically Affects Heart Health
Diet is closely linked to both heart and brain health. Changes in eating habits are believed to be one of the major factors contributing to the increasing rates of Alzheimer’s.
Diets low in sodium and high in healthy fats have been found to significantly reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Learn More: Diet and Alzheimer's disease
