Alzheimer's disease is a frequent topic of discussion on this blog, precisely because it is becoming increasingly prevalent among our elderly population. Unfortunately, as more and more Americans continue to reach older age, the frequency of cases associated with Alzheimer's, dementia and other aging-related mental conditions will only keep rising. Even more troubling is that no cure or significant treatment options for these ailments have yet to be found.
But new research continues to be done in helping increase awareness about potential risk factors for Alzheimer's disease. A recent study discovered a possible link between heart disease and Alzheimer's after it was found that artery stiffness — otherwise known as atherosclerosis — can lead to a buildup of beta-amyloid plaque in the brain. This plaque accumulation is a major indicator for Alzheimer's disease, and the study's findings could indicate how focusing on heart health can help reduce risk for developing dementia.
"This is more than just another example of how heart health relates to brain health. It's a signal that the process of vascular aging may predispose the brain to increased amyloid plaque buildup," Timothy Hughes, the study's lead researcher and a member of Wake Forest University's department of internal medicine, told HealthDay News. "Finding and preventing the causes of plaque buildup is going to be an essential factor in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease and extending brain health throughout life."
While more research has to be done on this possible connection, the basic conclusion found here is that taking better care of your heart and arteries can also help boost nutrition for the brain, reducing the risk for Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Be sure to check back with our blog for more developments in Alzheimer's research, and click here to learn more about our brain supplements.