Defining Optimal Brain Health in Adults: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association [AHA/ASA Presidential Advisory]

Cognitive function is an important component of aging and predicts quality of life, functional independence, and risk of institutionalization. Advances in our understanding of the role of cardiovascular risks have shown them to be closely associated with cognitive impairment and dementia. Because many cardiovascular risks are modifiable, it may be possible to maintain brain health and to prevent dementia in later life. The purpose of this American Heart Association (AHA)/American Stroke Association presidential advisory is to provide an initial definition of optimal brain health in adults and guidance on how to maintain brain health. We identify metrics to define optimal brain health in adults based on inclusion of factors that could be measured, monitored, and modified. From these practical considerations, we identified 7 metrics to define optimal brain health in adults that originated from AHA’s Life’s Simple 7: 4 ideal health behaviors (nonsmoking, physical activity at goal levels, healthy diet consistent with current guideline levels, and body mass index

Source: Stroke - September 25, 2017 Category: Neurology Authors: Philip B. Gorelick, Karen L. Furie, Costantino Iadecola, Eric E. Smith, Salina P. Waddy, Donald M. Lloyd-Jones, Hee-Joon Bae, Mary Ann Bauman, Martin Dichgans, Pamela W. Duncan, Meighan Girgus, Virginia J. Howard, Ronald M. Lazar, Sudha Seshadri, Fernando Tags: Statements and Guidelines AHA/ASA Presidential Advisory Source Type: research