A new scientific statement published in the American Heart Association's journal Stroke has revealed significant links between three common cardiovascular diseases and cognitive impairment. The statement titled "Cardiac Contributions to Brain Health" examines the latest research on how heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and coronary heart disease affect brain health and increase the risk of dementia. Dr. Fernando D. Testai, Chair of the statement writing group and professor of neurology at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, emphasized the importance of these findings regarding the relationship between cardiovascular health and cognitive function.
The statement highlights that 14-81% of patients with heart failure experience some degree of cognitive impairment affecting language, memory, or executive function, potentially impacting patients' ability to manage self-care and medications. The mechanisms behind this link include reduced blood flow to the brain, chronic inflammation, and neurohormonal activation. Atrial fibrillation, the most common heart rhythm disorder in adults, is associated with a 39% increased risk of cognitive impairment, with the prevalence of atrial fibrillation in the U.S. projected to rise from 2.7 million cases in 2020 to nearly 16 million by 2050 according to research available at https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation.
Coronary heart disease also significantly increases the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment, with a large systematic review finding that adults with heart disease have a 27% higher risk of developing dementia compared to those without heart disease. Up to 50% of individuals experience cognitive decline after a heart attack, with effects on memory and executive function. The statement emphasizes the interconnectivity between the brain and heart, highlighting how crucial this relationship is for overall health and cognitive preservation throughout life.
Dr. Testai noted that evidence shows adopting a healthy lifestyle and identifying and treating vascular risk factors early may help preserve normal brain function and reduce the burden of Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias. While the development of new medications to treat Alzheimer's disease continues, the medical community recognizes that prevention is key. The statement calls for more research to confirm and outline how cardiovascular care can improve brain health, as well as to understand how gender, race, and ethnicity may influence the connection between the brain and the heart.
Healthcare professionals are encouraged to take a holistic approach to patient care, promoting heart health throughout a patient's life. Resources like the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 are important tools for reducing the risk of cognitive impairment. This scientific statement underscores the importance of maintaining cardiovascular health not only for preventing heart disease but also for protecting brain function and reducing the risk of cognitive decline in later life. As research in this area continues to evolve, it is clear that a heart-healthy lifestyle may have far-reaching benefits for overall health and well-being.
