A recent study conducted by Johns Hopkins Medicine has established a connection between heart attacks and accelerated cognitive decline. The researchers analyzed data from individuals who experienced their first heart attack and discovered that while the heart attack itself did not immediately lead to cognitive decline, it did significantly accelerate cognitive decline in the subsequent years. In fact, the cognitive decline observed was equivalent to approximately six to 13 years of aging in terms of cognitive abilities.
The study, published in JAMA Neurology, emphasizes the importance of managing vascular risk factors to safeguard brain health. It reveals that individuals who had a heart attack experienced a notable decline in cognition over time, as compared to those who did not have a heart attack. This decline in cognitive function was measured to be equivalent to six to 13 years of cognitive aging. Therefore, it is crucial for people to control factors such as high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol, which are associated with increased risk of heart attacks, in order to minimize the risk of cognitive decline and memory problems later in life.
A heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction, occurs when the blood supply to the heart is suddenly and severely reduced or completely cut off, resulting in the death of heart muscle due to a lack of oxygen. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 805,000 people in the United States experience a heart attack each year. Out of these cases, 605,000 are first-time heart attacks, while 200,000 occur in individuals who have already had a heart attack.
Dr. Michelle Johansen, an associate professor of neurology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, hopes that the findings of this study will raise awareness about the importance of controlling vascular risk factors early on. This would help individuals reduce their risk of cognitive decline and memory issues later in life. Dr. Johansen also emphasized the need to further investigate the relationship between heart health and brain health, aiming to identify the specific factors that contribute to cognitive decline over time.
The study analyzed data from six large studies conducted between 1971 and 2019, involving a total of 30,465 individuals who had not experienced a heart attack, stroke, or dementia at the time of the first cognitive assessment. The study sample included diverse demographics, with 29% of individuals being Black, 8% Hispanic, and 56% women. Among the participants, 1,033 individuals went on to have at least one heart attack, and 137 experienced two heart attacks. It was observed that individuals who suffered heart attacks were more likely to be older and male.
Moving forward, the researchers plan to explore additional aspects of heart health and their impact on brain health. Preventing heart attacks may serve as a strategy to preserve brain health in older adults. Further investigation is necessary to determine the specific causes of cognitive decline over time.
The research, titled “Association Between Acute Myocardial Infarction and Cognition,” was authored by Dr. Michelle C. Johansen, along with collaborators Wen Ye, Alden Gross, Rebecca F. Gottesman, Dehua Han, Rachael Whitney, Emily M. Briceño, Bruno J. Giordani, Supriya Shore, Mitchell S. V. Elkind, Jennifer J. Manly, Ralph L. Sacco, Alison Fohner, Michael Griswold, Bruce M. Psaty, Stephen Sidney, Jeremy Sussman, Kristine Yaffe, Andrew E. Moran, Susan Heckbert, Timothy M. Hughes, Andrzej Galecki, and Deborah A. Levine. The study received support from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the National Institutes of Health, and the Department of Health and Human Services.
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What did the study conducted by Johns Hopkins Medicine find?
The study found a link between heart attacks and accelerated cognitive decline. While a heart attack did not cause an immediate decline in cognition, it significantly sped up cognitive decline in the following years, equivalent to about six to 13 years of cognitive aging.
What is the importance of managing vascular risk factors according to the study?
The study emphasizes the importance of managing vascular risk factors to maintain brain health. Controlling factors like high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and memory problems later in life.
How many people in the United States have a heart attack each year?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 805,000 people in the United States have a heart attack each year. Out of these cases, 605,000 are first-time heart attacks, and 200,000 occur in individuals who have already had a heart attack.
What is the definition of a heart attack?
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, is a medical emergency where the blood supply to the heart is suddenly and severely reduced or cut off, leading to the death of heart muscle due to a lack of oxygen.
What are the next steps for the researchers?
The researchers plan to investigate other aspects of heart health and their impact on brain health. They aim to determine the specific causes of cognitive decline over time and explore strategies for preserving brain health in older adults.
How was the study conducted?
The study analyzed data from six different large studies conducted between 1971 and 2019. It involved a sample of 30,465 individuals who had not experienced a heart attack, stroke, or dementia at the time of the first cognitive assessment. Various cognitive tests were used to measure cognitive decline over time.
Who supported the research?
The research received support from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the National Institutes of Health, and the Department of Health and Human Services.
6 comments
This study is super interesting! I never knew heart attacks could speed up cognitive decline. It’s a wake-up call to take care of our heart health and manage risk factors ASAP!
Wow, so heart attacks not only affect the heart but also our brain? Scary stuff! This research shows how important it is to control blood pressure and cholesterol to keep our minds sharp.
I’m amazed by the findings of this study. It’s mind-boggling that a heart attack can make your brain age faster. Time to prioritize heart health and prevent these attacks!
This research is a game-changer! It highlights the long-term consequences of heart attacks on cognition. It’s a reminder to stay active, eat healthy, and take care of our hearts for a healthier brain.
Whoa, this study is a real eye-opener! Heart attacks speeding up cognitive decline? That’s insane! It makes me wonder what other aspects of our health affect our brains. Time for more research!
This study stresses the importance of a healthy heart for a healthy mind. Let’s spread the word and encourage people to prioritize cardiovascular health to protect their cognitive abilities.