You At Your Best

aMeRiCan HeaRt assOCiatiOn The same risk factors that contribute to making heart disease the leading cause of death worldwide also impact the rising global prevalence of brain disease, including stroke, Alzheimer's disease and dementia. That's according to the recently published American Heart Association's Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics — 2022 Update. Experts say maintaining a healthy weight, managing your blood pressure and following other heart- healthy lifestyle behaviors can also support good brain health. Cognitive decline and dementia are often seen following stroke and cerebrovascular disease and indicate a decline in brain health. Conversely, studies show maintaining good vascular health is associated with healthy aging and retained cognitive function. While heart disease remains the #1 cause of death worldwide, the death rate from Alzheimer's disease and other dementias is increasing considerably – even more than the rate of heart disease death: • Globally, more than 54 million people had Alzheimer's disease and other dementias in 2020, that's a 37% increase since 2010 and a 144% increase over the past 30 years (1990-2020). • More than 1.89 million deaths were attributed to Alzheimer's disease and other dementias worldwide in 2020, compared to nearly 9 million deaths from heart disease. • Global deaths from Alzheimer's disease and other dementias increased more than 44% from 2010 to 2020, compared to a 21% increase in deaths from heart disease. • Deaths from Alzheimer's disease and other dementias increased 184% over the past 30 years (1990-2020), compared to a 66% increase in heart disease deaths during that same time. "The global rate of brain disease is quickly outpacing heart disease. The rate of deaths from Alzheimer's disease and other dementias rose more than twice as much in the past decade compared to the rate of deaths from heart disease, and that is something we must address," said Mitchell S.V. Elkind, M.D. M.S., FAHA, the immediate past president of the American Heart Association. "Many studies show that the same healthy lifestyle behaviors that can help improve a person's heart health can also preserve or even improve their brain health." Estimated U.S spending on dementias more than doubled from $38.6 billion in 1996 to $79.2 billion in 2016. Spending on dementias was among the top 10 health care costs in the United States in 2016. "Like cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, dementia and other cognitive ailments are a tremendous emotional and economic burden across the globe," said Connie W. Tsao, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA. "This new chapter on brain health was a critical one to add. The data we've collected brings to light the strong correlations between heart health and brain health and makes it an easy story to tell – what's good for the heart is good for the brain." • Limit caffeine. We may reach for a cup of coffee or a cola when we're feeling down, but they can cause sleep problems, and make us irritable and anxious. • Keep good food handy. To help keep from reaching for the bad food, stock up on convenient and healthy snacks, like bananas or individual bags of nuts or carrots. Keep them within easy reach at home, work and in the car. Now, the next time a craving or bad mood hits, you can reach for some mood- boosting goodness • Share meals with others. Eating meals with others has many psychological and social benefits. It gives us a sense of rhythm and regularity and helps us feel connected to others. Try to set aside at least one day a week to eat with family and friends. Choose a meal that's easy to prepare so it doesn't become a chore. Brain goals Healthy choices can help keep depression at bay and stabilize your mood. But what you put in your stomach now also affects your mental health later – including your ability to think, remember and process information. In a 25-year study of nearly 3,400 people ages 18 to 30, researchers found that those with slightly elevated blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels tended to have lower cognitive, thinking and reasoning abilities in their 40s and 50s. It's never too late to start your journey towards better brain health. Research has shown that the healthiest eaters at age 50 had a nearly 90 percent lower risk of dementia compared to those who had the least healthy diets. A healthy diet is one way you can improve your mental health. The food you eat can help you have a better mood today, and a healthier brain tomorrow. (See the next story for more about this.) "i'm sorry for what i said when i was hangry." Statistics highlight link between cardiovascular risk factors and brain disease What'S good For theheart iS good For the brain sunDaY, MaY 29, 2022 | June - Mental HealtH YOuatYOuRBest.nWaOnline.COM | YOu at YOuR Best | 7

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