New findings reveal a strong correlation between cardiovascular health and cognitive decline, underscoring the importance of early intervention to safeguard brain function.
A recent scientific statement from the American Heart Association (AHA) highlights the connection between cardiovascular health and brain function, stating that nearly half of heart failure patients experience cognitive impairment, and individuals with coronary heart disease face a 27 percent higher risk of developing dementia.
Exploring the Link Between Cardiovascular Disease and Cognitive Function
The statement, published in the AHA’s journal Stroke in October, delves into the relationship between cardiovascular conditions like heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and coronary heart disease and the heightened risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.
High Prevalence of Cognitive Impairment in Heart Disease Patients
The AHA statement cited studies showing a significant prevalence of cognitive impairment among individuals with specific heart conditions, including:
- Approximately 50 percent of individuals with heart failure experience cognitive issues affecting essential functions like language and memory.
- A meta-analysis revealed that atrial fibrillation (AFib) increases the risk of cognitive problems by 39 percent.
- Adults with coronary heart disease are 27 percent more likely to develop dementia.
AFib, which affects millions of people in the United States, is projected to impact even more individuals in the coming years. While AFib is known for its association with stroke, it also poses risks for cognitive decline due to shared risk factors with heart failure, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Additionally, up to half of heart attack survivors may experience some degree of cognitive decline, with factors like high blood pressure and reduced blood flow contributing to impaired cognition.
Strong Link Between Cardiac Health and Cognitive Function: Expert Insights
Dr. Hal Skopicki, chief of cardiology and co-director of the Stony Brook Heart Institute, highlighted the profound connection between heart health and cognitive function. He pointed out that high blood pressure, a common risk factor for strokes, can also lead to cognitive decline by causing small blood vessels in the brain to burst and damage brain cells.
Skopicki emphasized that the link between cardiovascular disease and cognitive impairment is robust, citing shared risk factors such as cardiovascular issues, high blood pressure, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, and poor sleep.
Contrary to the belief that cognitive decline is an unavoidable aspect of aging, Skopicki asserted that proactive measures can help prevent such decline. He commended the AHA statement for raising awareness about the importance of early intervention in maintaining heart and brain health, noting that prevention is key to improving overall well-being.
