Study Proves that Your Heart and Brain Are Allies, Not Foes

Recent study conducted on seniors showed that when the participants were involved in specific tasks related to heart health, their thinking skills and memory didn't decline after six years, as compared to those who didn't take part in these tasks.

"The results of our study highlight the need for patients and physicians to monitor and address heart health factors and strive for ideal levels," commented lead researcher Hannah Gardener, assistant scientist in neurology at Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, "...as these factors not only influence cardiovascular health but also brain health."

The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association on March 16, examined 1,000 seniors typically around 72-years-old. About two-third participants were Hispanic, 16% were white and 19% black.

The participants in the study were evaluated as per Life's Simple Seven Goals by American Heart Association. These goals contain guidelines for a healthy heart and healthy living. Their objective is to maintain blood pressure, keep blood sugar levels in check, follow an active lifestyle, eat healthy and reduce intake of salt/sugar. Overall, the idea is to have a healthy body weight. People are also recommended to quit tobacco use and smoking.

To evaluate the participant's ability to process things quickly, they were given series of tests before the study began. They were assessed on their thinking and memorizing abilities. The same tests were carried out at the end of study period of six years to see the changes.

According to the research findings, the participants that stuck to the goals set by AHA had better brain-processing power than their counterparts that didn't follow the goals. In the six-year review period, the group of participants that followed the guidelines of healthy heart showed better performance in terms of memory and brain processing power.