Study: Keep Heart Healthy to Slow Brain Aging

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology has found that there may be a link between heart health and brain health.

The study followed more than 1,500 people with a mean age of 79.5 for 21 years. It found that those with healthier hearts experienced less decline in brain function as they got older.

To measure heart health, researchers looked at the factors that most often lead to heart disease. These include obesity, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Each participant was given a score to show if they had a low, middle or high risk of developing heart disease.

Researchers then measured brain health with 21 tests which included testing short-term memory, long-term memory and the ability to compare letters and pictures. An expert examined each participant for signs of dementia, a brain disease that causes memory loss and difficulty thinking clearly. Participants' brains were also scanned to measure changes over time.

The study found that those who had a higher risk of developing heart disease performed worse in the tests. On the other hand, those with a lower risk of heart disease showed less decline in their mental abilities as they got older.

One of the study authors, Weili Xu from Tianjin Medical University, said the results show that people can protect the health of their brain as they age by reducing their risk of heart disease.

According to the American Heart Association, three out of five Americans will develop a brain disease. The World Health Organization estimates there are around 50 million people with dementia around the world, and that number is predicted to reach 82 million in 2030.

To keep your heart healthy, the American Heart Association recommends limiting processed food and unhealthy fats, getting at least 150 minutes of exercise a week and getting enough sleep. It also says to avoid smoking and to maintain a healthy weight.