A recent study published in JAMA Network Open indicates that improving cardiovascular health might be key in reducing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
The American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7 outlines seven modifiable lifestyle factors that contribute to cardiovascular health. These factors include smoking status, diet, body mass index, physical activity, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. Research has established that cardiovascular disease is a known risk factor for neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s and dementia.
In this study, over 1,000 adults aged 65 and older participated, with more than half identifying as Black or African American. Participants were assessed based on the Life’s Simple 7 criteria, with scores categorized into three groups: low, medium, and high cardiovascular health scores. Higher scores were associated with significantly lower levels of a neurodegeneration biomarker known as neurofilament light chain (NfL).
Anisa Dhana, MD, MSc, a lead researcher, noted that high levels of NfL could signal nerve cell damage, hence its use as a marker for brain health. The study found that those with higher cardiovascular health scores had a slower increase in NfL as they aged, suggesting better maintenance of brain health.
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The research emphasizes the need for increased cardiovascular health education, especially in Black communities, who face higher risks for both heart and neurodegenerative diseases. Efforts focused on improving lifestyle habits could potentially ease the burden of these conditions.
Experts like Cheng-Han Chen, MD, support the study’s findings, affirming that adherence to the Life’s Simple 7 can mitigate risks associated with neurologic decline. This is particularly important as populations age and the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases rises.
Jason Tarpley, MD, PhD, highlighted the overlapping risk factors between cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting a shared mechanism that needs further exploration.
The study’s findings call for practical interventions in at-risk populations to assess if improvements in cardiovascular health can indeed reduce the progression of neurodegenerative biomarkers.
Overall, this study underscores the potential benefits of maintaining cardiovascular health to reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Targeted efforts could significantly impact public health, particularly for those at higher risk.
