We all know that our bodies are connected. This is just common sense, right? When we focus on maintaining fitness and health, things seem to work together for our good. Going out for a job strengthens muscles and bones throughout the body, but it does a lot more than that. It helps improve cardiovascular health and mental health, too. Exercise isn’t specific to just one part of your body or system, but to your overall health, both physical and mental.
So, the fact that new research underscores this common sense knowledge might not come as a big surprise to you. A team of researchers working in conjunction with the American Heart Association recently found that many of the same risk factors that contribute to cardiovascular problems also contribute to issues that can exacerbate brain health problems. Factors that can lead to heart disease also contribute to stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and other forms of dementia.
With heart disease being the number one killer in the United States, and with a growing number of observed Alzheimer’s cases occurring all over the world, the need to find causes and risk factors for dementia is important. That’s part of what makes this study so essential. Each country interprets heart and brain health data in a different way. This study aimed to universalize findings so that key overlaps could be more easily identified.
Heart disease tends to be caused by a few main risk factors, including smoking, hypertension, obesity, and cholesterol problems. The American Heart Association’s research found that these same risk factors also drastically increase the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, too.
The good news? Taking proper steps early in life, including quitting smoking, working closely with doctors, exercise, and a healthy diet can all help someone prevent heart disease. If this research is correct, these same things might help prevent dementia, too.
The team published their findings in the journal, Circulation. Hopefully, this information will help future researchers to be able to help even more people in the future.
Heart and brain health are both vital parts of healthy senior living. Addressing these issues early on can help lead to better overall health in the elderly, but for many that are currently experiencing severe issues here, the time for prevention is passed. That’s why it’s so important to have a strong, loving team on your side.
A professional care team should be a part of this team. Trained caregivers can often help with preventative measures, such as ensuring that medication is taken and appointments are attended. They can also help by encouraging someone to stay active, both physically and mentally. Of all of the benefits that a professional caregiver provides, the mental health component often is one of the most appreciated. Conversation and companionship often can help boost mental health all on their own. Of course, if something more serious is needed, speaking with a professional is very important.
There are other benefits to in-home care; we’d love to talk about them with you in more detail. Feel free to get in touch with us any time to learn more about how care might benefit you and your family.
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