There is an undeniable relationship between brain health and heart health. One of main connections is blood flow through the blood vessels. Cardiovascular issues, such high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol and diabetes, affect blood vessels throughout the body, including in the brain.
How heart issues are linked to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
“When the body is young, it can compensate for certain vascular conditions, which means you likely don’t see symptoms early on,” explains Jeremy Pruzin, MD, cognitive behavioral neurologist at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute and associate professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix. “However, there is a wear and tear that takes place over time which results in issues later in life. This is true with heart attacks and stroke, but it is also true with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.”
You’ve likely heard about how heart conditions can lead to the constriction of blood vessels around the heart as a result of plaque buildup. But what do cardiovascular issues mean for the brain?
“When hypertension and other vascular issues are left unchecked, it will damage the small blood vessels in the brain which can be seen as white matter hyperintensities in your brain on MRI,” says Dr. Pruzin. “The high pressure hardens the small arteries and deep penetrating blood vessels leading to impaired blood flow and damage to white matter, which slows or stops the flow of information in the brain, contributing to cognitive decline. Additionally, vascular damage may also lead increasing buildup of Alzheimer’s disease pathology.”
Hypertension is one of the heart conditions that can appear in midlife and is a known risk for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
“The current guidelines say systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) should be under 130,” shares Dr. Pruzin. “The SPRINT-MIND study showed that a lower blood pressure goal (the top number less than 120 compared to less than 140) lessened heart attacks and bad cardiovascular outcomes and also reduced mild cognitive impairment or dementia by about 15%. This study played an important role in the adjustment of the recommended systolic blood pressure number for the national hypertension guidelines to change from under 140 to under 130.”
Lower your blood pressure, lower your risk
Hypertension is common, so if you are diagnosed with it, you are not alone, but it is also highly treatable.
“If you have hypertension and would like to lower your risk of dementia by 10-20%, it’s important to take your cardiovascular health seriously,” says Dr. Pruzin. “It’s critical to treat it as soon as you are diagnosed, whether that is in midlife or later on in life. Even if you don’t have any symptoms, getting your blood pressure under control as soon as possible will help to stop or delay the damage in your body that will lead to more serious health issues down the road.”
Dr. Pruzin offers a few tips to help you lower your blood pressure:
- Work physical activity into your daily life: Consider parking further away to get your steps in, find an activity you enjoy and will keep doing, or even join a team – anything from bowling to golfing will help get you moving.
- Commit to walking: Walking is a great way to become more active. Start by walking a few times a week and increasing frequency over time. Better yet, identify a walking buddy (friend, loved one or dog) to help keep you accountable and motivated.
- Take medication: If you are unable to get your blood pressure under control through lifestyle changes, there are many medicines available that could be a good option for you.
Future research can influence guidelines
Past research has proven influential when it comes to identifying risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, but additional research is still needed to refine prevention strategies.
“There is still a lot that we don’t know and areas where we can continue to enhance the research that has already been done,” explains Dr. Pruzin. “For example, if we find benefits from an even lower blood pressure goal, we can influence and optimize the national guidelines to help further prevent Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, which will hopefully lead to more proactive and comprehensive action from patients and providers alike.”
How can you make a difference in Alzheimer’s research? Share the Alzheimer’s Prevention Registry with your friends and family. Healthy adults are needed for many prevention studies, so please check out the latest studies listed on the Registry.
