Quick access to main page (top) Direct access to main contents Quick access to main page (bottom)

Boosting Cardiovascular Health Could Help Prevent Alzheimer’s, Study Finds

Daniel Kim Views  

Medical Today
Medical Today

A recent study has found a strong correlation between higher Life’s Simple 7 scores for cardiovascular health and lower biomarkers associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, indicate that maintaining good cardiovascular health is linked to decreased neurodegenerative disease-related biomarkers. This further strengthens the known connection between cardiovascular disease and conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia.

In 2010, the American Heart Association (AHA) introduced Life’s Simple 7, a guideline identifying seven modifiable lifestyle risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including smoking habits, diet, and body mass index (BMI).

Previous studies have shown that adherence to Life’s Simple 7 reduces the risk of conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

More recently, researchers discovered that elderly individuals with higher Life’s Simple 7 scores also exhibited lower levels of biomarkers related to neurodegenerative diseases. They further suggested that raising awareness about cardiovascular health among Black and African American populations, who face higher risks for both heart disease and dementia, could be particularly beneficial.

The research team emphasized that Life’s Simple 7 is a well-established tool for improving cardiovascular health and reducing the risks of heart disease and stroke. Since cardiovascular disease and dementia share common risk factors, the study aimed to examine how Life’s Simple 7 influences neurodegeneration.

The study recruited approximately 1,000 elderly participants aged 65 and older from the Chicago Health and Aging Project. More than half of the participants were Black or African American.

Each participant was assessed based on Life’s Simple 7 criteria, which include a healthy diet, regular exercise, a normal BMI, non-smoking status, and no history of dyslipidemia, diabetes, or hypertension.

Participants were then grouped into three categories based on their cardiovascular health (CVH) scores: those with 0–6 points were classified as the low CVH group, those with 7–9 points as the moderate CVH group, and those with 10–14 points as the high CVH group.

Analysis revealed that participants in the high CVH group had significantly lower blood levels of neurofilament light chain (NfL), a key biomarker for neurodegeneration. Additionally, the rate of increase in NfL levels with age was slower among those with higher CVH scores.

NfL is a protein that helps maintain strong and healthy nerve cells. When nerve cells are damaged, NfL leaks into the blood and cerebrospinal fluid, making it a reliable marker for brain health. High NfL levels indicate neuronal damage and can provide insights into the potential link between cardiovascular health and neurodegeneration.

The researchers emphasized that managing cardiovascular risk factors is crucial for preventing neurodegenerative diseases and reducing their societal burden.

The study also noted that participants with the highest CVH scores were predominantly white. Based on this, researchers suggested that educating elderly individuals—mainly Black and African American populations—on cardiovascular health could help mitigate the social burden of neurodegenerative diseases.

The research team plans to observe additional biomarkers directly related to brain pathology to explore the connection between cardiovascular health and neurodegeneration. They also aim to evaluate whether dietary improvements and increased physical activity can effectively reduce neurodegenerative biomarkers.

Daniel Kim
content@viewusglobal.com

Comments0

300

Comments0

[LIFESTYLE] Latest Stories

  • Workouts That Target Your Hidden Fat: Why Consistency Matters
  • Can Gut Bacteria Predict Multiple Sclerosis? New Study Points to Key Factors
  • Why A-List Celebrities Swear by Lemon Water for Radiant Skin
  • Pomegranates Could Cut Your Cancer Risk by 20%, New Research Shows
  • Pilates: The Low-Impact Workout with Big Benefits for Your Body and Mind
  • Are Your Favorite Foods Actually Aging You? The Truth About Glycotoxins

You May Also Like

  • 1
    ID.EVERY1: Volkswagen's $21K Electric Vehicle Aims to Make Green Driving Accessible

    BUSINESS 

  • 2
    Toyota’s bZ3X SUV Surges with 10,000 Pre-Orders: A New Era in EVs

    BUSINESS 

  • 3
    Telo Trucks' MT1: A 500-HP Compact Pickup That Packs Big Punch in a Small Frame

    BUSINESS 

  • 4
    Xiaomi’s Success vs. Apple’s Failure: What’s the Difference?

    DEBATE 

  • 5
    Mitsubishi Delica D:2 Facelift: New Design, Better Fuel Economy, and Enhanced Safety

    BUSINESS 

Popular Now

  • 1
    Major Vehicle Recall: Over 15,000 Cars Affected Across Multiple Brands in South Korea

    BUSINESS 

  • 2
    Blazer EV SS Hits New Highs: 615 Horsepower and 3.4-Second 0-60 Acceleration

    BUSINESS 

  • 3
    Trump Defends Tesla, Promises Action Against Violent Attacks

    DEBATE 

  • 4
    Land Rover’s New Defender 130: Luxury Meets Off-Road Performance in a Seven-Seater

    BUSINESS 

  • 5
    Honda's New NSX Successor: 1,000 HP Electric Supercar Expected by 2027

    BUSINESS 

Must-Reads

  • 1
    ID.EVERY1: Volkswagen's $21K Electric Vehicle Aims to Make Green Driving Accessible

    BUSINESS 

  • 2
    Toyota’s bZ3X SUV Surges with 10,000 Pre-Orders: A New Era in EVs

    BUSINESS 

  • 3
    Telo Trucks' MT1: A 500-HP Compact Pickup That Packs Big Punch in a Small Frame

    BUSINESS 

  • 4
    Xiaomi’s Success vs. Apple’s Failure: What’s the Difference?

    DEBATE 

  • 5
    Mitsubishi Delica D:2 Facelift: New Design, Better Fuel Economy, and Enhanced Safety

    BUSINESS 

Popular Now

  • 1
    Major Vehicle Recall: Over 15,000 Cars Affected Across Multiple Brands in South Korea

    BUSINESS 

  • 2
    Blazer EV SS Hits New Highs: 615 Horsepower and 3.4-Second 0-60 Acceleration

    BUSINESS 

  • 3
    Trump Defends Tesla, Promises Action Against Violent Attacks

    DEBATE 

  • 4
    Land Rover’s New Defender 130: Luxury Meets Off-Road Performance in a Seven-Seater

    BUSINESS 

  • 5
    Honda's New NSX Successor: 1,000 HP Electric Supercar Expected by 2027

    BUSINESS 

Share it on...