Many people believe that staying physically active and keeping the heart healthy will also protect the brain.
This idea makes sense because the brain depends on a strong blood supply to function well.
However, a new study suggests that improving heart health alone may not be enough to improve memory or thinking skills, especially in older adults at risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
The study, published in JAMA Neurology, explored whether exercise and aggressive treatment of heart-related risk factors could help improve cognitive function.
The research was part of a larger project called the Risk Reduction for Alzheimer’s Disease (rrAD) study. It included experts from several major research centers, including the Pennington Biomedical Research Center.
Alzheimer’s disease is a condition that slowly damages the brain, leading to memory loss, confusion, and difficulty performing everyday tasks.
Scientists have long known that certain health problems, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Because of this, many experts have hoped that improving cardiovascular health might also protect brain function.
To test this idea, researchers studied 480 adults between the ages of 60 and 85. All participants had high blood pressure and a family history of dementia. Some also reported early signs of memory problems. These factors placed them at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
The participants were divided into four groups. One group followed a structured exercise program, which included about 160 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each week.
Another group received medication to control blood pressure and cholesterol. A third group received both exercise and medication. The final group continued with their usual care and served as a comparison.
The study lasted for two years. During this time, researchers carefully measured both heart health and cognitive performance. Cognitive function was assessed using a standard tool called the Preclinical Alzheimer Cognitive Composite, which looks at memory, attention, and thinking skills.
The results showed a clear improvement in heart health. Participants who received medication saw their blood pressure drop by an average of 13 points, which was significantly better than those who did not receive the treatment. Their levels of LDL cholesterol, often called “bad” cholesterol, also decreased more than in the other groups.
Exercise also contributed to better overall physical health. These findings confirm what doctors have long known: exercise and proper medical treatment are very effective at improving cardiovascular health.
However, when it came to brain function, the results were surprising. After two years, there were no meaningful differences in cognitive performance between the groups. Whether participants exercised, took medication, did both, or received usual care, their scores on memory and thinking tests were very similar.
Dr. Jeffrey Keller, one of the lead researchers, explained the findings simply: the interventions improved the body, but not the brain. This suggests that focusing only on heart health may not be enough to prevent or slow down cognitive decline in people at risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
This does not mean that exercise and heart health are unimportant. On the contrary, they remain essential for overall well-being. They can reduce the risk of heart disease, improve physical strength, and support a longer, healthier life. However, when it comes to protecting the brain, more comprehensive approaches may be needed.
The researchers believe that future studies should explore longer intervention periods or combine multiple strategies.
For example, combining exercise with mental training, social engagement, and dietary changes might provide better results. Alzheimer’s disease is complex, and it likely requires a combination of approaches to prevent or delay its progression.
In conclusion, this study highlights an important lesson. Taking care of the heart is necessary, but it may not be enough on its own to protect the brain. For people concerned about memory and cognitive health, a broader approach that includes multiple aspects of lifestyle and health may offer the best chance of maintaining brain function over time.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about low choline intake linked to higher dementia risk, and how eating nuts can affect your cognitive ability.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that blueberry supplements may prevent cognitive decline, and results showing higher magnesium intake could help benefit brain health.
