A group of researchers led by Neurologist Hannah Gardener examined whether meeting certain markers of good heart health, including not smoking, being physically active and maintaining a healthy body weight, and blood pressure, had an impact on an individual's cognitive abilities.
The researchers examined more than 1,000 men and women over 40. Six years later, the same people were tested again. The research revealed that having more healthy heart factors was directly linked to better cognitive function years later. Those who had better heart health were also found to be enjoying better brain functions like memorizing facts.
Study author Hannah Gardener, an epidemiologist at University of Miami, "Achieving these ideal factors is really important not just for cardiovascular health but also for brain health ... I think it's important to emphasize that striving to achieve ideal levels on these seven factors may also help preserve cognitive health later in life."
Around two-third of the participants were Hispanic and 16 per cent were white. Blacks accounted for the remaining 19 per cent.
The findings of the study were detailed in the most recent edition of the Journal of the American Heart Association.
A report published in the Business-Standard said, "The researchers from the University of Miami and the Columbia University used the American Heart Association's "Life's Simple Seven" definition of cardiovascular health, which includes tobacco avoidance, ideal levels of weight, physical activity, healthy diet, blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose."
"Achieving the health metrics of Life's Simple 7 is associated with a reduced risk of strokes and heart attacks, even among the elderly," said study lead author Hannah Gardener from the University of Miami.
"The finding that they may also impact cognitive, or brain function underscores the importance of measuring, monitoring and controlling these seven factors by patients and physicians," Gardener added.
"Researchers looked at whether meeting certain markers of a healthy heart-including not smoking, maintaining a healthy body weight, being physically active, having a good diet and keeping blood pressure and cholesterol in check-had an impact on people's cognitive abilities," according to a news report published by Time.
In the study, more than 1,000 men and women over age 40 had brain tests that assessed their memory and brain processing abilities, like how fast they could do a focus-intensive task. Six years later, the people were tested again. The researchers found that having more of the healthy heart factors was linked to better brain processing years later.
In a report published by the PulseHeadlines, "The American Heart Association held the study based on what is called Life's Simple Seven, a list of 7 healthy results that lead to a vigorous life. The simple seven includes managing blood pressure, controlling cholesterol, reducing blood sugar, being an active person, good feeding habits, maintaining a good weight and being a non-smoker."
The same tests were conducted in another 722 participants after the course of six years. Researchers continue to find that patients who met more of the goals possessed fewer dips in their brain processing speed. Also, patients had less deterioration in their memory and executive function (focusing, organizing, time management).
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