Heart Disease Can Lead to Dementia in Later Life, Study Says

April 10, 2022 Kathryn O’Neill

A recently published study (1) has revealed a definitive link between heart disease and dementia in later life.

Researchers from the University of Sheffield in the UK found that heart disease can lead to reduced blood flow to the brain, reducing the amount of oxygen it receives. Over time this can lead to dementia.

The work also found that having both heart disease and genetic susceptibility to Alzheimer’s disease trebles the amount of beta-amyloid present in the body. This is a protein that forms plaques in the brain, triggering Alzheimer’s disease.

Another finding of the study was that brain injuries can also interfere with blood flow in the brain. This explains why patients’ dementia symptoms can appear worse after falls or head injuries.

How can I reduce the risk of dementia?

The positive to come out of this study is the finding that by taking care of our heart health, we can also reduce the risk of developing dementia as we get older.

There are lots of simple steps you can take to reduce your dementia risk factors. These include:

Practising regular physical activity. If you don’t already have an exercise routine, talk to your doctor first before embarking on one. Once you’ve got the go-ahead, you can start with 15 minutes of gentle exercise like walking per day, and build up to 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes or more of intense exercise per week.
Eating a healthy diet. A balanced diet should include plenty of fruit and vegetables, as well as a mixture of pulses, grains, eggs, milk, and lean meat. If you prefer to follow a plant-based diet, you can swap out the animal products for substitutes like tofu and soya. Avoid saturated fats and excessive sugar and salt.
Stopping smoking. There are lots of different methods to do this, from going "cold turkey" through to using nicotine replacement therapy. Consult with your doctor to find a method that is suitable for you.
Limiting your alcohol intake. Australian guidelines say adults should consume no more than 10 standard drinks a week to keep healthy.
Keeping your mind busy. Try learning a new skill such as a language or creative activity, play puzzles on a daily basis or join a social group.

What are the signs of dementia?

While different types of dementia may have varying symptoms, these are some common early signs:

Memory loss
Finding it hard to concentrate
Difficulty with daily tasks, such as struggling to find the right money when paying for shopping
Finding it hard to keep track of conversation and forgetting words
Mood or personality changes
Loss of sense of direction or place

What if my loved one is showing signs of dementia?

If you have concerns that a loved one is showing signs of dementia, you may be wondering what to do next.

Gently encourage them to see their doctor to discuss their symptoms. If they are likely to resist this suggestion, you can try to find a different reason for them to go, such as having their blood pressure taken or going for an annual health check.

You’ll find more guidance on the Dementia Australia website.

How To Create A Dementia-Friendly Home

Open new doors for your loved one

Have you got a relative or loved one affected by dementia? If so, you will know how it can affect every aspect of their life, turning small things into bigger issues.

If you’re looking for ways to make everyday life smoother and safer for your loved one, take a look at the Tunstall collection of in-home and personal alarms.

Unlike many traditional alarm set-ups that may connect to a number that goes unanswered, Tunstall products link to a 24/7 call centre as part of their Connected Care system.

So as soon as your loved one calls for help, they will connect straight away with a call centre staff member who can talk them through their situation and get help if necessary.

It’s a way of ensuring that your loved one retains their independence safely and brings peace of mind to those who care.

Reach out to our team to find out more about how Tunstall products can open new doors for your loved one.

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