As you age, taking care of your brain becomes even more important - but protecting your heart may be one of the best ways to support brain health and reduce dementia risk.
When your heart and blood vessels are healthy, your brain receives a steady flow of oxygen-rich blood that supports clear thinking, memory and emotional regulation. When blood flow is slowed or blocked, the risk of memory loss, cognitive decline, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease increases.
The good news: many of the same lifestyle habits that keep your heart healthy also support lifelong brain health.
Your cardiovascular system is made up of your heart and blood vessels, which work together to deliver oxygen and nutrients to every part of your body - including your brain.
When this system becomes damaged or weakened by conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or clogged arteries, the brain may not get the blood supply it needs. Over time, reduced blood flow to the brain can lead to:
Keeping your heart strong is one of the best ways to protect your brain and support healthy aging.
Certain lifestyle and health factors raise your risk for cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline and dementia:
By addressing these risks early, you can reduce your chances of heart disease and help lower your long-term risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
You don’t need to make major changes overnight. Gradual, consistent steps can have lasting benefits for heart health, brain health and healthy aging.
Try these habits:
Understanding your key health numbers can help you and your doctor spot risks early and track progress over time. Important numbers to know include:
Your provider may also check your waist circumference or other measures to get a more complete picture of your cardiovascular health.
Knowing these numbers helps guide your care plan and may help lower your risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Schedule a wellness visit with your primary care provider. They can check your vital numbers, explain your results and create a personalized care plan that fits your life.
Start with achievable steps, like:
Small goals lead to lasting progress.
Keep a simple journal or use a health app to record your habits. You might notice more energy, better sleep, sharper focus and improved mood over time.
At Banner Health, we’re committed to helping you live your healthiest life at every age. From heart screenings and nutrition counseling to tobacco cessation and chronic condition management, our team is here to support you.
Take the first step today.
Schedule an appointment with a Banner Health primary care provider to check your numbers and take steps that support heart health and reduce dementia risk.
Sign in to Patient Account
