The Link Between Heart Health and Ageing Well
Millions of Australians are at risk of heart disease, but fewer realise that keeping their heart healthy can also help protect their brain, memory, and cognitive function, reducing the risk of conditions like dementia as they age. With cardiovascular disease affecting more than 4 million Australians and remaining the leading cause of death, it’s not just your heart at stake — your brain health depends on it too.
The Heart-Brain Connection
“Heart health and brain health are intimately connected,” says Clinical Neuropsychologist Dr Miranda Say. “The brain relies on a steady supply of blood from the heart. Conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol can disrupt blood flow, increasing the risk of stroke and cognitive decline, including dementia.”
In Australia, more than 421,000 people are living with dementia in 2024 — a number projected to double by 2054. Vascular dementia, which is linked to cardiovascular health, is a growing concern. This REDFEB, Heart Research Australia urges all Australians to prioritise their heart health by adopting simple lifestyle changes that can have a profound impact on their future wellbeing.
Nicci Dent, CEO of Heart Research Australia, stresses the importance of taking proactive steps now. “Prioritising heart health isn’t just about preventing heart attacks—it’s also about safeguarding your brain health and reducing your future risk of cognitive decline, including dementia. The message is simple, what’s good for your heart health is also good for your brain health” she said.
Steps You Can Take: The 4-M Approach
As part of REDFEB, Heart Research Australia’s heart awareness month, their 4-M Approach encourages Australians to take small, simple steps that can benefit both their heart and brain health:
- Meals: High cholesterol levels can not only block the arteries of the heart, increasing the risk of heart disease, but also those leading to the brain impairing blood flow, which is crucial for cognitive health. Recent Australian research demonstrated that high cholesterol plays a key role in Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. Heart Research Australia nutritionist Chloe Steele says "it's important to know what you are eating and understand how to read the backs of packets. Avoiding processed foods and keeping your diet simple and fresh can help support your heart and brain health". This February, Heart Research Australia invites all Australians to wear red and donate to support research into life-saving heart disease prevention and care.
- Movement: As we age, incorporating functional strength training — focusing on balance and strength — into our weekly routines, along with aerobic exercise like walking, becomes essential. This combination of aerobic and resistance training can help lower blood pressure, increase good cholesterol, reduce bad cholesterol, and even promote neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to form new connections.
- Measurement: Regular health check-ups to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar are crucial. “Knowing your numbers” is key to preventing cardiovascular disease and helping protect cognitive functions. During REDFEB, Heart Research Australia encourages Australians to take control of their health by regularly scheduling these vital check-ups, ensuring they stay heart and brain healthy.
- Mental Wellness: High blood pressure and high cholesterol often go unnoticed in daily life, but they can significantly harm both your heart and brain, impacting cognition and memory. Beyond knowing your numbers and managing these risk factors, incorporate regular mindfulness moments into your day. These short breaks allow you to reset your thinking and can greatly support cognitive and cardiovascular health. This REDFEB, build positive habits that will make a lasting difference for your future well-being.
For REDFEB, Heart Research Australia has launched an on demand webinar “Healthy Heart, Sharp Mind: 4 Simple Steps to Improving Heart & Brain Health” available here.
This February, Honour Loved Ones and Support Heart Research
This REDFEB, Heart Research Australia encourages all Australians to wear red to honour loved ones affected by heart disease, and to raise funds for life-saving research. “Taking care of your heart today can have lasting benefits for both your heart and brain,” says Nicci Dent. "By supporting REDFEB, you’re not only helping to fund vital research, but also empowering yourself and your loved ones to live healthier, longer more active lives."
For more information on REDFEB and to donate, visit www.heartresearch.com.au.
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