Why Heart Disease Increases Your Risk for Dementia
Arden Courts of Sarasota
For more information about the author, click to view their website: Arden Courts of Sarasota
Aug 08, 2024
Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties
Email US
Click to Email Us
Your heart plays a fundamental role in brain health, supplying it with oxygen-rich blood. When the brain doesn’t get the blood it needs, it increases your risk for health conditions, both now and in the future. If you have or are at risk for heart disease, take action to protect your heart health and lower your risk for dementia.
How Your Heart Affects Brain Health
The heart affects every single part of the body. It pumps blood throughout the entire body to deliver oxygen to tissues and organs. When the heart is healthy, it can support the lungs for breathing and limbs for movement. It also supports the brain, the vital organ that manages thought, emotion, movement, breathing and other essential functions.
When the brain doesn’t get enough blood and oxygen, even for a short time, it doesn’t work well. We get confused, we make poor decisions and we can even pass out. When blood flow to the brain is reduced for a long time, it can damage brain tissue and contribute to or worsen dementia.
Heart Disease-Related Dementias
Some types of dementia are directly caused by heart issues and poor blood flow to the brain.
Vascular dementia is the second most common dementia in people over age 65. It is caused by lack of blood flow to the brain. For that reason, it can occur after a severe stroke, multiple small strokes or other conditions that affect the brain’s blood vessels.
There’s also new research about cardiogenic dementia, which results from direct changes in the brain from heart disease.
There are different types of heart disease. For instance, atherosclerosis relates to the hardening of arteries. Heart failure is the loss of effective heart pumping over time. Yet all heart disease issues generally lead back to how much oxygen gets into our tissues, including the brain.
The Increase of Dementia Symptoms
While some dementias are directly caused by poor blood flow to the brain, other types of dementia can be worsened by restricted blood flow.
For instance, if a person has Lewy Body dementia or Alzheimer’s, poor heart health can compound confusion and behavior. It can also lead to other vascular issues where our body’s arteries and veins don’t work well, which can cause difficulty with walking, discomfort and increased falls. This makes dementia more difficult to live with and manage.
Reducing Your Risk for Heart Disease
One of the best ways to care for your brain is to care for your heart. If you don’t have heart disease, you can work to prevent it. Much of heart disease can actually be prevented with education and action. Below are some heart-healthy guidelines to follow.
Know your risk factors.
Some of the risk factors for heart disease are the same risk factors for dementia. This includes obesity, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Reduce your risk factors as much as possible to protect your heart and brain.
Have a healthy diet.
Food is much more related to our overall health than we realize. The MIND diet uses principles from the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and Mediterranean diet to support brain health. The diet is rich in green leafy vegetables, berries, fish, olive oil, nuts, beans and whole grains.
Move more.
Physical activity keeps the brain and heart healthy. Your movement doesn’t have to be strenuous. Walking and swimming provide great health benefits. Start small and increase your movement to the recommended 150 minutes per week of heart-quickening activity.
Get enough quality sleep.
Getting quality sleep doesn’t just recharge us for the next day; it contributes to our long-term health. During sleep, blood pressure and heart rate decrease, giving the body a much needed reset. If you have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep through the night, talk with your primary care provider.
Stay mentally active.
Keep your brain active with things you enjoy and stimulate your mind, such as puzzles, word games, math games and trivia. Learning new skills or hobbies can also keep your brain active.
Work with your health care provider.
Talking to your health care provider regularly is important for maintaining health. We shouldn’t see our primary care provider just when we’re sick; we need to see them when we are healthy so we can stay healthy. Be honest with yourself and your physician when it comes to health. Never be embarrassed to be honest about what you are feeling and communicate to your practitioner clearly and openly.
Managing Existing Heart Disease
If you already have heart disease, it’s not too late to make changes to influence your health. All the prevention guidelines above are also a great way to manage heart disease.
If medication is used to help you manage your disease, remember that medication alone is often not a long-term solution. Without changing your diet, movement or lifestyle, medication can become less effective in helping your body compensate for heart disease.
Often in midlife, individuals are diagnosed with conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes. As the body gets older, it’s harder to maintain homeostasis – the internal balance that’s needed for our bodies to survive. For instance, a younger body will often find it easier to compensate for a poor diet, while an older body will struggle.
That’s why a holistic approach is needed to manage heart disease. By working on the many factors that contribute to heart health, the body won’t be as dependent on medication to achieve homeostasis.
Your Health is in Your Hands
Unfortunately, heart disease and dementia are both on the rise, and research continues to show that they are intimately intertwined. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States and 20% of all deaths in the U.S. are heart disease related.
The positive news is that 90% of heart disease can be prevented. The more we know, the more we can act on to protect our brain and heart health.
- To view the original version of this article visit www.arden-courts.org/blog/why-heart-disease-increases-your-risk-for-dementia
- Seniors Blue Book was not involved in the creation of this content.
Other Articles You May Like
Understanding Your Digital Footprint
Digital what? Footprint? You may be thinking thats what you leave behind at the beach. While that may be correct, it is also what you leave behind every time you provide your email, set up a new online account, or allow your data to be tracked. Your digital footprint is the trail you leave behind with Location services on your phone. It is the data you leave behind when commenting on Aunt Sallys Facebook page, sharing your familys vacation pictures on Instagram, or traipsing around the internet to various sites looking for that cute Lladro figurine your mother wanted for Christmas. All of it tells something about you whether you realized it was happening or not.Most of the time, the sharing of your data what you do, how you do it, etc. may not be a big deal. Or is it? The reality is that your data supports big business every day. It is collected, bought and sold (mostly without your knowledge) by data brokers (i.e., Acxiom, Epsilon), credit and identity bureaus (i.e., Experian, Equifax, TransUnion), and Big Tech Companies (i.e., Google, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, Apple) that share your data with their partners and ad networks.The danger to you is when there is a data breach at one of the many sites that has your data and your data is captured and posted on the dark web. This enables nefarious characters to better target you for scams and potentially steal your identity. Call Lily in the Details today 941-237-0157 and schedule Understanding Your Digital Footprint, Navigating the Online World Safely and Wisely for your community.
Serving America and our community
By Dr. David RiceSouthwest Florida is home to more than 100,000 veterans, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.They own homes, manage businesses and pay taxes here. They volunteer at local nonprofits and donate to local causes. They are the core of our community.Nearly every day, at least one veteran walks into Advocate Radiation Oncology for treatment. Cancer impacts people from every background, including veterans. Even the most hardened veterans struggle with a cancer diagnosis, which is understandable; no one is invincible and cancer generates a wave of emotions shock, anxiety, frustration, fear and stress.Over the years, veterans in Charlotte and Sarasota counties have found an ally inside the treatment room Dr. Brian Lawenda. A board-certified, Harvard-trained physician who completed medical school at Temple University, Lawenda has all the credentials to help a patient feel confident that they're in good hands, medically speaking. Then they find out something else about their physician. He is a veteran, too, having served this country 13 years with the U.S. Navy and attaining the rank of commander."When I enlisted, I took an oath to serve this country and uphold the U.S. Constitution," Lawenda said. "When I became a doctor, I pledged to dedicate my practice to patients and the community I serve, and it's especially gratifying when those patients are fellow veterans."The best doctors don't just treat symptoms; they connect with patients, usually through shared experiences they're from the same state, cheer for the same sports team or attended the same university. Lawenda's military experience helps create an instant doctor-patient bond that continues during treatment and beyond. In fact, Lawenda has become the region's go-to radiation oncologist for veterans, not just Navy veterans, but those who have admirably served across all six branches of the military."When he told me he served in the Navy, it gave me comfort," said Ret. Command Master Chief Scott Fusco, a North Port resident who recently completed prostate cancer treatments at Advocate. "I had absolute trust in him from that point on."Lawenda wasn't the only veteran on Fusco's care team, either. His urologist also served in the Navy and referred Fusco to Dr. Lawenda for treatment."We served at different times and places, but we're all part of the same team," Fusco said. "They've been there, done that, just like me. There is instant respect, instant trust."Lawenda, who sees patients at Advocate's cancer treatment centers in Port Charlotte and Venice, specializes in the treatment of prostate, lung, breast, head and neck, rectal, liver, bone, cervical and other types of cancers. Although Lawenda doesn't technically specialize in the treatment of veterans, he is especially proud to support patients like Fusco on their cancer journey."A veteran may retire or end their military service, but he or she will never stop serving this country and their community," Lawenda said. "Being able to help local veterans beat cancer is extremely gratifying and certainly rewarding. The military is a brotherhood and a sisterhood, and I'll continue fighting for my brothers and sisters."About the AuthorDr. David Rice is a board-certified radiation oncologist who sees patients through Advocate Radiation Oncologys cancer treatment centers in Port Charlotte and Venice. Visit AdvocateRO.com for more information.
Living Well with Diabetes: How Exercise & Therapy Can Help
Managing diabetes is more than watching your blood sugar. Its about staying active, maintaining your strength, and continuing to enjoy the activities you love.Diabetes affects millions of older adults and can have a significant impact on overall health, mobility, and independence. As we age, managing diabetes becomes especially important because it can increase the risk of falls, nerve damage, muscle weakness, and other health complications.The good news? With the right support, regular physical activity, and a personalized treatment plan, older adults living with diabetes can take meaningful steps toward better health and a more active lifestyle.Why Is Exercise So Important for Diabetes?When you have diabetes, your body has difficulty regulating blood sugar levels. Physical activity helps your muscles use glucose for energy, which can improve blood sugar control.Regular exercise can also help:Improve muscle strength: Maintain the strength needed for walking, climbing stairs, and completing everyday activities.Improve blood sugar management: Help your body use insulin more effectively.Support heart health: Improve circulation and help manage blood pressure.Improve balance: Reduce the risk of falls and injuries.Maintain independence: Make daily activities such as dressing, bathing, cooking, and shopping easier.Increase energy and confidence: Help you feel stronger and more comfortable staying active.Even small amounts of movement throughout the day can make a difference!How Can Physical and Occupational Therapy Help?For many older adults, beginning an exercise program can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with joint pain, weakness, balance problems, or other medical conditions.Thats where FOX Rehabilitation can help.FOX provides personalized physical and occupational therapy designed to help older adults safely improve their mobility, strength, and ability to perform everyday activities.A physical therapist can evaluate your walking, balance, endurance, and muscle strength to develop an exercise program that meets your individual needs.An occupational therapist can help you find safer, easier ways to perform everyday tasks while improving your ability to remain independent at home.Together, these professionals can help address the physical challenges associated with diabetes, including decreased sensation in the feet, muscle weakness, and difficulty with balance.The Benefits Go Beyond Blood SugarResearch has shown that structured exercise programs can help people with Type 2 diabetes improve their blood sugar control, preserve muscle mass, and increase overall strength.Regular physical activity may also improve blood pressure and reduce the risk of certain diabetes-related complications.Most importantly, staying active can help older adults maintain the freedom to do what matters most whether thats spending time with grandchildren, enjoying a walk with friends, gardening, or simply moving safely around their homes.Therapy That Comes to You!One of the greatest benefits of FOX Rehabilitation is that therapy can take place right in the comfort of your own home.FOX provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy through Medicare Part B for eligible individuals.You do not have to be homebound or recently hospitalized to receive services.This means older adults who may benefit from skilled therapy can receive personalized care in their familiar surroundings without having to travel to an outpatient clinic.Take the First Step Toward Better HealthLiving with diabetes doesnt mean giving up the activities you enjoy. With proper management, regular movement, and professional guidance, you can continue building strength, improving mobility, and maintaining your independence.Before beginning a new exercise routine, speak with your healthcare provider, particularly if you have diabetes-related complications or take medications that can cause low blood sugar.Remember: Its never too late to get stronger, move better, and take control of your health!