Healthy Hearts & Healthy Brains

February is American Heart Month. It’s a time to raise awareness about heart disease and why it’s important to maintain our cardiovascular health. But what does a healthy heart have to do with our brains?

Keeping our hearts healthy keeps our brains healthy and functioning properly. Current research shows that there is a link to cardiovascular health and slower cognitive decline in familial FTD. Dr. Kaitlin Casletto, of the University of California, San Fransico, presented on how healthy lifestyle changes impacts the progression of FTD (you can watch the video from the 2024 AFTD Educational Conference here). 

There are many things we can do to improve both our heart and brain health. Below are some easy ways to kickstart a healthier lifestyle in the new year:

• Stay Active

Elevating your heart rate through moderate exercise can help strengthen your heart and lung capacity. Take a brisk walk around your neighborhood or local park for 30 minutes, 2-3 times a week. By taking regular walks, you can lower your blood pressure and blood sugar which are vital to your overall brain health.

Want something a little more fun? Dancing can also help improve your heart health and can give a nice boost to your mood.

• Exercise Your Brain

While staying physically active can be beneficial to your overall health, keeping your mind engaged is equally important. Staying engaged with hobbies, strategy games, and keeping up with social activities are great ways to promote new cell growth in your brain.

• Mediterranean Diet

Healthy eating habits have a positive impact on both our heart and brain health. It’s important to load up on whole grains, lean protein, fruits, and vegetables. The Mediterranean diet incorporates those food groups while limiting sugar, processed foods, and refined carbs. This style of eating helps prevent heart disease, improve your cognition, and is recommended by the American Health Association! You can learn more about the diet through the American Heart Association website.

• Getting Enough Sleep

Getting 7-8 hours of restful sleep can help lower your risk of cardiovascular disease and helps improve your mood. Build better sleep habits by sticking to an evening routine, keeping your bedroom cool and quiet, and avoid using electronic devices at least 30 minutes before you go to bed.

It can be overwhelming and challenging to implement all of these habits right away, especially for those who are living with FTD. Remember to take things one step at a time. The goal isn’t perfection, but small, meaningful wins each day. It’s the little changes that gradually grow into lasting habits. 

~ Jessica Legaspi, MS 

Clinical Research Project Manager