Better Heart Health Linked to Slower Brain Aging and Reduced Dementia Risk, Study Finds

A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals a strong link between cardiovascular health (CVH) and biomarkers associated with neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s. The research, conducted using data from the Chicago Health and Aging Project (CHAP), suggests that maintaining good heart health can significantly slow brain aging and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative conditions.

The study utilized the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7 tool to assess CVH, which includes factors like diet, physical activity, BMI, and management of conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Researchers analyzed serum levels of neurofilament light chain (NfL) and total tau (t-tau), biomarkers indicative of neurodegenerative processes, in over 1,000 participants aged 65 and older.

Key Findings:

• Lower NfL Levels: Participants with higher CVH scores exhibited significantly lower serum concentrations of NfL. A one-point increase in the CVH score was associated with a notable decrease in NfL levels.
• APOE e4 Carriers: The association between higher CVH scores and lower NfL levels was particularly pronounced in individuals carrying the apolipoprotein e4 (APOE e4) allele, a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.
• Slower NfL Increase: Over a 10-year follow-up, those with higher CVH scores showed a slower annual increase in NfL levels compared to those with lower scores. Specifically, participants with the lowest CVH scores experienced a 7.1% annual increase in NfL, while those with the highest scores showed a 5.2% increase.
• Race and Education: The study population consisted of 59.9% Black participants and 40.1% White participants. Participants with the highest CVH scores were more likely to be White and have higher levels of education. The study showed that the relationship between CVH and NfL was independent of race.
• Tau levels: No significant association was found between CVH scores and total tau (t-tau) concentrations.

Study Demographics:

• The study included 1,018 participants.
• The mean age was 73.1 years.
• 61.4% of participants were female.
• 59.9% of participants were Black.
• 40.1% of participants were White.
• 34.6% of participants had at least one APOE e4 allele.

“These findings emphasize the importance of maintaining optimal CVH to reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases,” the researchers concluded. “This is particularly important in Black adults, who are often at a greater risk of developing CVDs.”

Disclaimer:

It is important to note that this study demonstrates an association between cardiovascular health and biomarkers of neurodegenerative disease. It does not prove a direct causal relationship. Additionally, while the study included a diverse population, the results may not be generalizable to all populations. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex interplay between cardiovascular health and brain aging. This news article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional¹ for any health concerns.