Cut dementia risk with a healthy heart and good circulation, experts say

HAVING a healthy heart and good circulation could be the key to beating dementia, experts say.

man and women joggingGETTY

Keeping healthy can protect your brain, found the new research

Alzheimer’s researchers will present findings in London this week to show that “what’s good for the heart is good for the brain”.

They say people can cut their risk of developing dementia – as well as heart disease and diabetes – by losing weight and keeping their blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check.

The experts recommend people follow a healthy lifestyle to protect their blood vessels by having a balanced diet, taking regular exercise and not smoking.

Dr Simon Ridley, head of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “There is mounting evidence to suggest that what’s good for the heart is good for the brain and this research suggests that damage to blood vessels in the brain may play a key role in Alzheimer’s disease.

“A better understanding of the links between vascular health and Alzheimer’s could provide vital new clues for understanding how to prevent and treat the disease.

“In the meantime, there are measures people can take to improve their vascular health and reduce their risk of dementia.

“Evidence shows that we can lower our risk of the disease by eating a healthy, balanced diet, taking regular exercise, not smoking, and keeping blood pressure and weight in check.”

James Nicoll, professor of neuropathology at the University of Southampton, carried out the groundbreaking research in which he studied brain tissue from people who died with dementia.

He found build-ups of the protein amyloid – which is believed to play a key role in Alzheimer’s – in blood vessel walls in the brain.

As we grow older, maintaining good vascular health is key for keeping our brains healthy and helping reduce the risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s

Professor Nicoll

His research showed that the protein can damage muscle cells which are crucial for controlling blood flow to the brain.

Professor Nicoll said: “Research now clearly shows that as we grow older, maintaining good vascular health is key for keeping our brains healthy and helping reduce the risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s.

“The number of people with dementia is set to rise as our population ages, but by taking action to improve our nation’s vascular health we could help stem this growing crisis.”

Professor Nicoll will present his findings at the Alzheimer’s Research UK conference on Wednesday.

There are an estimated 816,000 people with dementia in the UK, although most have not been diagnosed.

Over 773,000 are aged 65 years or over although the number of younger people with dementia is rising. The disease costs the UK economy around £23billion a year, according to the Alzheimer’s Society.

More and more neglected pets are being brought into animal sanctuaries by social services staff because their owners suffer from dementia.

Daphne Shepherd, of Pet Samaritans in Chesterfield, Derbys, said it was taking in increasing numbers of animals which were neglected as their owners could not cope.

The sanctuary has launched a nationwide appeal for anyone in contact with a dementia patient to find out whether they have a pet. Ms Shepherd said: “We’re worried about how many more pets are out there and suffering.” 

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