Could your heart be silently shrinking your brain? New research reveals a shocking link between heart disease and dementia risk.
A recent study published in Neurology has uncovered a worrying connection—people with early signs of heart problems may also be losing brain volume faster than normal. This shrinkage could be an early warning sign of dementia.
What Did the Study Find?
Researchers examined thousands of people and discovered that those with heart disease risk factors—like high blood pressure, clogged arteries, or high cholesterol—were more likely to have reduced brain size over time. Since the brain needs steady blood flow to stay healthy, poor heart function can starve brain cells, leading to memory loss and thinking problems.
The brain and heart work closely together. If the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently, the brain gets less oxygen and nutrients. Over time, this can cause:
- Brain shrinkage (loss of volume)
- Higher risk of vascular dementia (caused by poor blood flow)
- Memory lapses and slower thinking
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Early Warning Signs of Heart Trouble
Before heart disease becomes severe, your body may send signals like:
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or fainting
- Swollen legs or feet
- Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
- High blood pressure or cholesterol
How Can You Protect Your Heart—and Brain?
The good news? You can take action today to lower your risk:
- Eat smart – More veggies, whole grains, and healthy fats; less junk food.
- Move more – Even a daily walk helps blood flow.
- Check your numbers – Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Quit smoking & drink less – Both harm heart and brain health.
- Sleep well & stress less – Your brain repairs itself during deep sleep.
A healthy heart means a healthier brain. By taking care of your heart now, you could be protecting your memory for years to come.
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