Research has shown a clear connection between the development of dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other neurodegenerative diseases with heart disease, stroke, and heart attacks.
Coronary artery disease (the buildup of plaque in the arteries) leads to a condition called brain small vessel disease, which reduces blood flow to the brain and can compromise the blood-brain barrier.
This is due to the vascular connection between the heart and brain: when the heart cannot pump blood effectively to the brain, the brain’s function is compromised.
Heart disease or stiffening of the arteries further worsens any underlying cognitive impairment, as the brain receives less blood flow.
The key is vessel health. If heart health, brain health, or both are a concern for you, they should not be considered separately. What benefits one is likely to benefit the other!
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