Study: A Healthy Heart Means a Healthy Brain

The number of ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics was associated with less decline in the domains of processing speed and, to a lesser extent, of executive function and episodic memory, according to a new study. Ideal CVH promotion benefits brain health and cognitive aging.

The researchers used the American Heart Association’s “Life’s Simple 7” definition of CVH, which includes tobacco avoidance, as well as ideal levels of BMI, physical activity, diet, blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose.
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For the study, funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, a subsample from the population-based Northern Manhattan Study underwent repeated neuropsychological testing (mean interval 6±2 years). The investigators derived at domain-specific Z scores by using factor analysis for the domains of episodic memory, semantic memory, executive function, and processing speed, based on initial performance and decline over time. They constructed linear regression models to examine the relationship between the number of ideal CVH metrics at enrollment with later cognitive performance and decline, adjusting for sociodemographics and MRI brain markers.

Among 1033 participants (mean age at initial cognitive assessment 72±8 years, 39% male, 19% black, 16% white, 65% Hispanic; n=722 with repeat testing), 3% had 0 ideal factors, 15% had 1 factor, 33% had 2 factors, 30% had 3 factors, 14% had 4 factors, 4% had 5 factors, 1% had 6 factors, and 0% had 7 factors. An increasing number of ideal CVH factors was associated with better processing speed at initial assessment and less decline. Nonsmoking and glucose drove the association. Among those with better cognitive performance at initial assessment, positive associations were observed between the number of ideal CVH factors and less decline in executive function and episodic memory.

“The results underscore the importance of addressing these 7 factors with patients as they may also impact cognitive performance and age-related decline,” said study lead author Hannah Gardener, ScD, of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

Continued research on modifiable and shared risk factors for stroke and cognitive decline remains a priority, she said.

“The current study provides support for future studies assessing the value of routine assessment and treatment of these health factors by clinicians with the goal of reducing vascular cognitive impairment,” the researchers concluded. “As the US population ages and the number of people at risk for cognitive impairment grows, the public health implications of targeting these modifiable risk factors will be substantial.”

-Mike Bederka

Reference:

Gardener H, Wright CB, Dong C, et al. Ideal cardiovascular health and cognitive aging in the Northern Manhattan Study. J Am Heart Assoc. 2016 March [epub ahead of print]. doi:10.1161/JAHA.115.002731.