Recent studies have discussed that significant cognitive decline has not only been observed in elderly patient populations, but also in patients as young as 45-years of age. It is important to understand that there are many factors that can impact the function and health of the brain longterm. For example, several studies have concluded that there is a specific relationship between cardiovascular health and mental, emotional, and cognitive disorders. Namely, pre-existing cardiovascular disease such as chronic hypertension and coronary artery disease can impair the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to brain tissue which may result in the damage to the brain over time and could be associated changes in brain function and cognitive decline. Cardiovascular disease has become more common in the 45 and up age group over the last 20 years. There is also a greater risk for developing cardiovascular disease in certain patient populations which include individuals that smoke or have hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Therefore, making lifestyle choices that help to eliminate these risk factors has become a strong strategy for the optimal preservation of brain function. The following lifestyle choices may be implemented to help improve cardiovascular health:

 

1. Weight loss

2. Aerobic and anaerobic (weight bearing) exercise

3. Diet rich in healthy fats

4. Diets that sustain healthy glycemic control or healthy blood sugar levels (high fiber, low glycemic/complex carbohydrates, etc)

5. Smoking cessation

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