Steps to prevent a heart attack or stroke may ward off aging-related memory loss, says the Harvard Heart Letter

It’s clear that psychological and social factors can affect heart health. The July issue of the Harvard Heart Letter explains that this is a two-way street: The health of your heart and blood vessels also affects your mind and brain.

Among older people, the most common causes of dementia (damage to the brain that leads to memory loss, confusion, and changes in personality or speech) are blood vessel problems and Alzheimer's disease. Research suggests that cholesterol-clogged arteries, inflammation, and risk factors for heart disease and stroke contribute to both, reports the Harvard Heart Letter.

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