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What is dementia? -

Dementia is a term for the general loss of memory, language, problem-solving, and other thinking abilities that severely interfere with daily life. 

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How many adults in the US have some form of heart disease? -

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), almost 130 million adults in the United States have some form of heart disease.

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Why is this a problem? -

Most Americans spend their whole lives working and forget to take care of their health and wellness. In return, they are getting sicker earlier in life.

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Leading killer in the world -

The leading killer in the world is coronary heart disease which is when a buildup of plaque occurs in the body's arteries.

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How many deaths from coronary artery disease are there? -

According to the World Health Organization, coronary artery-related deaths rose from 6.4 million in 2000 to 9.1 million in 2021.

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What effect does it have on the brain? -

When the arteries narrow with coronary heart disease and high blood pressure, it can reduce the flow of blood and cause damage to the small blood vessels found in the brain. This can result in cognitive impairment.

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What else can lead to dementia? -

Cognitive decline and dementia can also happen when high blood pressure and type two diabetes reduce blood flow to the brain and subsequently increase inflammation.

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Statistics -

According to the American Heart Association, having coronary heart disease raises the risk of future dementia by 27% compared with people who don't have heart disease.

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When can heart disease start? - Heart disease can even start when a person is in their forties and fifties. There are often no visible symptoms to alert a person of the danger.

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How often do heart attacks occur in the US? -

It's estimated by the AHA that in the United States, someone has a heart attack about every 40 seconds. Subsequently, about 50% of those who survive will experience a loss of brain function.

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What is heart failure? -

Heart failure is more severe than heart disease. It's where the heart is too weak to pump the amount of blood and oxygen needed by the body's organs. 

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Impact of heart failure -

Up to 81% of people with heart failure can have a form of cognitive decline that will impact their language memory, or even their ability to think and plan.

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Recent research -

Risk factors linked to cardiac diseases, such as diabetes, can elevate levels of beta-amyloid in the brain, a key marker associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

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Relationship between the heart and brain -

Recent research has suggested that there is a strong bidirectional relationship between the heart and brain.

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What is A-fib? - Atrial fibrillation or A-fib is when the heartbeat is irregular. It is often described by people who have it as a “quiver,” “flutter” or “flip-flop” of the heart inside their chest.

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Atrial fibrillation -

Atrial fibrillation is the leading cause of stroke in the United States. Additionally, strokes that are tied to A-fib are often more severe than other strokes with other underlying causes. 

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Microhemorrhages -

According to a new scientific statement, microhemorrhages or small brain bleeds are more common in people with atrial fibrillation and can lead to cognitive decline.

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Rate of atrial fibrillation in the US -

The estimates are that up to 16 million people will have A-fib by 2050.

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Can medicine help you boost brain health? -

While modern medicine can have some impressive results there are still limits to all that it can accomplish. According to the AHA, treating blood pressure has shown some promise in the reduction of mild cognitive impairment but not dementia.

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Tips to improve brain health: prioritize sleep -

Several lifestyle factors can boost brain health. The first is prioritizing sleep. When you are well rested, your mood and energy are improved and your brain is sharpened.

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How much sleep should you get each night? -

Seven to eight hours is generally the recommended amount of sleep a person should get in one night. Each of the four stages of sleep happens about four to six times a night and lasts about 90 minutes each.

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Concentrate on nutrients -

To help improve and maintain a healthy heart, be sure to eat a healthy, plant-based diet.

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Mediterranean diet -

A study found that eating an anti-inflammatory diet of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables instead of a more inflammatory diet with red and processed meats and ultra-processed foods can help lower the risk of dementia by 31%.

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Who is this true for? -

The reduced risk of dementia was true even for people with existing diagnoses of cardiometabolic conditions such as type two diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

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Studies -

Another tip is to reduce cortisol, or the so-called stress hormone, in your life. According to a 2023 study, people with elevated stress levels were 37% more likely to have poor cognitive abilities.

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Reducing stress -

Stress isn't necessarily an entirely bad thing but too much can be damaging. Try to engage in activities like meditation, yoga, or breathing to stay calm and focused.

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Activity -

Adults should do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous activity alongside some strength training.

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Benefits of increased activity -

A 2022 study found that people could lower their risk of dementia by 62% when they walked at a very brisk pace of 11 steps per minute for 39 minutes a day.

Sources: (Alzheimer's Association) (CNN Health) (American Heart Association)

See also: 30 warning signs your heart might be in trouble

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