Heart Problems Found To Accelerate Brain Shrinkage
A recent study suggests that heart disease may contribute to brain shrinkage, a condition often linked to dementia. Researchers found that individuals showing early signs of heart problems are more likely to experience brain changes associated with cognitive decline. The findings, published on March 26 in the journal Neurology, indicate that inefficient blood pumping by the heart is associated with smaller brain volumes.
Dr. Frank Wolters, a senior scientist at Erasmus University Medical Center in the Netherlands, emphasized that even mild heart dysfunction can negatively impact brain health. He suggested that assessing memory and cognitive function in individuals with heart issues could help detect early signs of decline and allow for timely intervention.
The study analyzed data from seven research projects conducted in Europe and the United States, examining nearly 11,000 participants. Researchers compared heart function measurements with MRI scans of the brain. They discovered that people with moderate to severe systolic dysfunction—where the heart struggles to contract and pump blood effectively—had smaller total brain volumes than those with normal heart function.
Similarly, individuals with diastolic dysfunction—where the heart fails to relax and refill properly between beats—were found to have reduced brain volumes, particularly in the hippocampus, a region crucial for memory. Even heart conditions that did not progress to full heart failure were linked to diminished brain size, which has been associated with mild cognitive impairment and dementia.
Wolters noted that maintaining heart health may help preserve brain function and cognitive abilities as people age. However, he stressed the need for further research to fully understand the connection between heart disease and brain health.
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