Did you know that the same things that keep your heart healthy can keep your brain healthy, too? That’s right – according to multiple studies, our brains and hearts are connected in more ways than previously expected. That’s because our brains run on oxygenated blood – and our cardiovascular system is responsible for pumping it throughout our body. When blood vessels get damaged, this leads to serious health complications like stroke and heart disease … and even dementia and other cognitive issues.
“Healthy living allows us to remain independent and have a higher quality of life as we age,” says Beth Vellante, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover, a memory care assisted living community in Andover, MA. “Since all parts of our body are interconnected, taking an overall approach to health and wellness will help lower your risk for a wide variety of diseases. As you work to keep your heart healthy, you’ll also lower your risk of cognitive disorders like dementia and stroke as well as increase your stamina, improve your mood and so much more.”
Vascular Dementia: The “Preventable” Dementia
“Wait a minute,” you might be saying, “can you really say that dementia is preventable?” Although science and medicine are still trying to figure out exactly what causes dementias like Alzheimer’s disease and does not yet have any sort of cure, it is true that one form of dementia – vascular dementia – is preventable by having a healthy cardiovascular system.
“Vascular dementia is a form of cognitive decline that happens generally as a result of mini-strokes,” says Beth. “Many times the individual doesn’t even know that they’re having those mini-strokes and are unaware of what’s happening until the issue has progressed.” Unlike other forms of dementia, she says, vascular dementia is only progressive in response to the strokes. “Although the damage caused is not reversible, you can halt any further progression of the disease through a healthy living approach to wellness.”
How Heart Health Is Linked to Brain Health
Vascular dementia is the primary brain disease that is affected by heart health, but a healthy heart approach can reduce your risk of developing other forms of dementia as well. Eating a healthy diet and getting the proper amount of exercise has been shown to lower your risk of cognitive decline, as well as make sure your cardiovascular system is functioning at peak performance.
“Dementia is not the only risk that comes with poor heart health,” says Beth. Unhealthy habits and certain health conditions can damage your blood vessels, which puts all aspects of your body at risk for problems. Strokes – which occur when plaque or a clot causes a blood vessel to be blocked or burst – cause surrounding brain tissue to die, which can affect movement, mood and other physical functions alongside memory loss. Poor eating habits and not getting enough exercise can cause blood vessels to narrow, which ends up reducing blood flow to important areas.
Fortunately, says Beth, a few simple steps will help you improve your heart health and brain health – in fact, they may be things you’re doing already.
Seven Steps to Healthy Hearts and Brains
The American Heart Association has identified seven lifestyle factors that affect a person’s ideal cardiovascular health. By making healthy living choices that align with each of these factors, people can improve their health and reduce their risk significantly.
Blood pressure
High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of stroke and heart disease. If you live with high blood pressure for a significant amount of time, your kidneys, arteries and heart undergo significant amounts of stress. If high blood pressure is a factor for you, work with your doctor to find ways to manage it. Some people are successful with dietary changes, while others require medication.
Cholesterol
High cholesterol clogs arteries with plaque, which can lead to strokes, heart disease and even dementia. You can control your cholesterol through a combination of eating the right foods, getting enough exercise and taking medications as prescribed by your doctor if necessary.
Blood sugar
High levels of blood sugar can damage all parts of your body, from your heart to your eyes to nerves to kidneys and more. If you’re prediabetic or already diabetic, keep your blood sugar under control by taking insulin as prescribed, eating a healthy diet low in sugar and getting enough exercise.
Physical activity
Notice how we’ve talked a lot about “getting exercise?” An active lifestyle is one of the best, easiest and most rewarding ways to stave off heart disease and give you a better quality of life. It’s recommended that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week – and you don’t have to do it all at once. Find ways to sneak physical activity into your daily life, whether that’s taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking to the store instead of driving or running in place during commercial breaks.
A healthy diet
Food is your body’s fuel, and by putting quality food into your body, you’ll feel better, be healthier and reduce your risk of all sorts of health ailments. Eat a heart-healthy diet that’s filled with fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains, healthy fats and lean proteins like seafood and chicken. Limit your sugar and salt intake and drink in moderation.
A healthy weight
Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the amount of work your body has to do, which helps it work better (and makes you feel better, too). It also reduces your risk for a slew of different issues – basically, it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself.
Don’t smoke
Smoking is just plain bad for all aspects of your health. Smokers have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, various cancers, vascular issues and so much more. If you smoke currently, quit. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. Speak to your doctor about aides that can help you kick the habit.
“Healthy living is a gift that keeps on giving,” says Beth. “Regular exercise, a healthy diet and a focus on wellness will help you manage all aspects of your health – physical, mental and emotional. Not only will you reduce your risk for heart disease and dementia, but you’ll also improve your quality of life now and in the future.”
Engaging Lifestyle.
Now open! Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover provides memory care in an assisted living environment that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Built solely to care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover creates a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity and respects individual preferences. Our memory care teams receive specialized training that helps them safely support residents’ independence and elevate their self-esteem.
Dedicated Memory Care
Through early-, mid- and late-stage memory loss, residents and their families have complete peace of mind. Our compassionate dementia care, Personalized Services and unique programs are tailored to meet the physical, cognitive and emotional needs of each resident wherever they are on their own journey, allowing them to age in place safely, comfortably and with respect.
Supportive, Purpose-Built Design
Featuring a stunning residential design and the amenities of a new community, Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover is much more than a beautiful place to live; it’s a community where residents’ lives are enriched, and their families enjoy meaningful moments together. Our research-based design features soft colors and lighting, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life-enrichment stations that empower residents to explore their homes with confidence.
Contact us today to learn more.