A new study from a team of researchers from UCL has found a link between heart health and brain aging. Researchers used MRI scans to estimate people’s brain age and found multiple risk factors for a prematurely aging brain.
The study found that worse cardiovascular health at age 36 predicted a higher brain age later in life. Brain aging has been associated with worse scores on cognitive tests and predicts brain shrinkage (atrophy) over the following two years. Researchers believe this could be an important clinical marker for people at risk of cognitive decline or other brain-related health issues.
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The study participants were between the ages of 69 and 72 years old. All were part of an Alzheimer’s Disease Research UK-funded Insight 46 study that had an estimated brain age from an established MRI-based machine learning model. All participants had been a part of the study throughout their lives, so researchers could compare their current brain ages to various factors.
It was found that people with poor cardiovascular health during midlife had worse brain health later in life. Researchers also found that higher brain age was associated with a higher blood concentration of neurofilament light protein (NfL). This elevation was previously found to arise due to nerve cell damage, and it is now recognized as a useful marker of neurodegeneration.
These findings also align with a previous study that suggests high blood pressure at age 36 can predict brain health later in life.
Dr. Sara Imarisio, Head of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “The Insight 46 study is helping reveal more about the complex relationship between the different factors influencing people’s brain health throughout their life. Using machine learning, researchers in this study have uncovered yet more evidence that poorer heart health in midlife is linked to greater brain shrinkage in later life. We’re incredibly grateful to the dedicated group of individuals who have contributed to research their entire lives making this work possible.”
Maintaining Brain and Heart Health
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As this study helps to show, keeping the heart strong and healthy is vital for enjoying a high quality of life as you age. Heart Rescue was designed to help support and promote cardiovascular health using various ingredients, including omega-3 fatty acids, CoQ10, magnesium, and hawthorn extract. This formula’s health benefits can help strengthen the heart muscle, support circulation, and help reduce the risk of heart disease.
While some degree of cognitive decline is nearly inevitable as you age, this study shows how other factors can take a toll on the ability of the brain to function at peak potential. This can affect memory, concentration, and overall brain function.
The Smart Pill can help to enhance cognitive function and memory through 9 ingredients that help to support, nourish, and maximize brain health. These include ginkgo biloba, huperzine A, bacopa extract, rosemary extract, and a B vitamin complex. The formulation of these ingredients is an excellent way to help fight free radicals, boost circulation, and provide nutritional support to assist with cognitive function.
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.
