New research shows that women with a higher cardiovascular risk in mid-life have a stronger association with a decline in memory skills compared to men. Despite a higher prevalence of cardiovascular conditions in men, the new study suggests that women have a greater risk of cognitive decline.
The research published in the American Academy of Neurology’s medical journal used the population-based Mayo Clinic study of aging, which included 1,857 participants without dementia who were between the ages of 50 to 69 at their initial visit.
Advertisement
Every 15 months for an average of three years, all participants’ global cognition was evaluated using nine language, memory, spatial skills, and executive function tests.
The population-based Rochester Epidemiology Project gathered cardiovascular conditions and risk factor information. Conditions included in this analysis were coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, heart rhythm disorders, peripheral artery disease, and stroke. Risk factors included diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and smoking. Approximately 79% of the participants had at least one cardiovascular risk factor or condition.
The study found most cardiovascular conditions were more strongly associated with cognitive function among women. For example, the annual decline for global cognition associated with coronary artery disease was more than two times greater for women compared to men. Diabetes, high cholesterol, and coronary artery disease were also associated with more significant greater language decline in women.
One difference noticed was that congestive heart failure was associated with a greater language decline in men.
Additional research is needed to understand sex differences in the development of cognitive impairment. Middle-aged adults, especially women with a history of heart disease, need to be examined as subgroups for early monitoring. Researchers believe there is much more to be learned about the relationship between cardiovascular factors and cognition, such as genetics, hormones, lifestyle and physiological factors.
Mounting Evidence
This isn’t the first study to suggest a link between heart health, memory, and brain function. Although research hasn’t pinpointed the exact relationship between the conditions, there is apparently a connection. This is why it is so essential to practice healthy lifestyle behaviors that can help keep the heart and brain healthy.
Advertisement
Heart Rescue to a great addition to a healthy lifestyle to help promote and maintain cardiovascular health. Designed using a unique blend of ingredients including omega-3 fatty acids, CoQ10, magnesium, and hawthorn extract, Heart Rescue can help to reduce the risk of heart disease, strengthen the heart muscle, and maintain healthy cholesterol.
The Smart Pill is essential for those looking to maintain cognitive function and support the brain. It is formulated with 9 vital ingredients to help support, nourish, and maximize brain health and cognitive function.
By including these essential vitamins and nutrients into a daily routine, you can help to keep the heart healthy and memory skills intact.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
