Keeping your brain younger by getting to the heart of brain drain
You may think slowing the increase of lousy LDL level doesn't indicate you're at risk for chronic conditions associated with unhealthy aging. Well, think again -- if you can.
We've known for a while that if you're diagnosed with lower cardiac output (from plaque buildup in veins and arteries or altered heart rhythm), you may experience cognition-damaging brain changes. They include smaller total gray matter (it handles information processing, memory, movement, and emotion regulation) and lower frontal lobe and occipital lobe volumes (they control thinking, planning, movement and vision).
Now, a study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia reveals that heart function that's not fully normal -- even if it's not bad enough to be diagnosed as heart disease -- increases the risk for brain atrophy and Alzheimer's disease in the 28% of people who carry one or more copies of the APOE4 gene. That's a lot of folks.
Maintaining or restoring your heart health is vital for a brain-healthy, younger ActualAge. And you can start today. Adopt a plant-based diet with fatty fish and no red or red processed meats, added sugars or highly processed foods. Embrace a five-day-a-week aerobic and strength-training exercise routine. Manage stress daily. Also, consider getting an ApoB blood test to check your lipid levels and taking vitamin D3, a multivitamin/mineral and bovine colostrum.
So get moving, improve your nutrition, enjoy meditation, establish a supportive posse, and dive into a hobby or volunteer to develop a sense of purpose. For even more ways to keep your heart and brain younger, sign up for my newsletter at michaelfroizenmd.substack.com.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at drmikerealage@gmail.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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