How brain, heart health are intertwined

A new article from Harvard University explores the effects of poor vascular health on the state of one’s cognitive function.

Blood flow problems and other cardiac factors can contribute to brain abnormalities similar to those associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Strokes can also contribute to large swaths of brain tissue dying when blood clot stops normal blood flow. According to research, one in three stroke survivors will develop dementia.

“An estimated one-third of all cases of dementia, including those identified as Alzheimer’s, can be attributed to vascular factors,” said Albert Hofman, MD, chair of the department of epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

To read more about how heart and brain health are related, follow the link below.

Katherine Davis,

Senior Writer

As a Senior Writer for TriMed Media Group, Katherine primarily focuses on producing news stories, Q&As and features for Cardiovascular Business. She reports on several facets of the cardiology industry, including emerging technology, new clinical trials and findings, and quality initiatives among providers. She is based out of TriMed's Chicago office and holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Columbia College Chicago. Her work has appeared in Modern Healthcare, Crain's Chicago Business and The Detroit News. She joined TriMed in 2016.

Around the web

Ron Blankstein, MD, professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the use of artificial intelligence to detect heart disease in non-cardiac CT exams.

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

Trimed Popup
Trimed Popup