A new study from the George Institute for Global Health indicates that heart disease can lead to changes in the brain and how it works.
The changes that were noticed included alterations to the blood vessels that impact blood flow to the brain. These changes increase the risk that someone has when it comes to dementia and a stroke, regardless of whether or not they have ever experienced a stroke in the past.
These changes can be hard to spot at first, but they can have a big impact on someone’s brain health and risk. The study indicated that these changes were caused by a number of different health issues.
Traditional knowledge has long pointed to the idea that stroke changes blood vessel composition, making someone at higher risk of suffering more strokes in the future. This research indicates that those changes occur before a stroke takes place.
The good news is that because these changes take place prior to a first stroke, people suffering from heart disease have a better likelihood of being able to prevent a first stroke from ever occurring. It means that prevention is more effective than once thought.
This study involved about 13,000 people. The team published their findings in the journal, Neurology. Hopefully, this will be helpful for both future researchers who look to build upon these findings and current medical professionals, who can fine tune their treatment approaches to help have a positive and immediate impact upon the people that they work with. Heart disease remains as the number one killer in the United States. Any progress in how we understand and treat this disease has the potential to save a lot of lives.
With that said, there are a number of things that you can do right now to help improve the quality of life that those in your family experience. Heart healthy diets and exercise are two lifestyle changes that can have a profound impact on someone, especially if maintained for a longer period of time. Even small changes can help people live better lives. Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption can also have big changes when it comes to improving heart health.
The right support structures can help reinforce these changes. Senior care might be helpful for your family.
Whatever the circumstances that your family and loved ones are facing, there is a care option out there that can help you to navigate things. Finding the right care can feel like an overwhelming challenge, but it is possible. Starting out by assembling the right team is a good first step in the right direction.
If you want help going through this process, we are here for you. If you’re unsure of where to start or what you are looking for out of care, we have your back. We offer a free consultation session that’s designed to answer your questions and help get you connected to the right care for your family’s unique set of needs. Give us a call or send us an email. We’re here to help.
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