Physical Activity May Slow Cognitive Decline
Regular physical activity may help slow cognitive decline, according to research involving Mexican American and non-Hispanic white adults. The findings add to growing evidence that movement may support brain health as people age.
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio examined cardiovascular health during midlife. They used the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7 score to measure health factors.
Heart Health and Brain Aging
Life’s Simple 7 includes diet, smoking, physical activity, blood pressure, body mass index, cholesterol, and blood glucose. A higher score reflects better cardiovascular health.
Research linked stronger scores with better thinking skills and lower dementia risk. However, researchers say these patterns may differ between populations.
Cardiovascular health matters because diabetes, obesity, and unhealthy blood fats can affect brain health. Therefore, improving these factors may offer another way to protect cognitive function.
Hispanic Adults Need More Research
Hispanic older adults face a higher burden of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. About 14% of Hispanic adults aged 65 or older have Alzheimer’s, compared with 10% of non-Hispanic white adults.
Mexican Americans experience high rates of diabetes, obesity, and dyslipidemia. These conditions can increase dementia risk, yet Hispanic communities remain underrepresented in research.
The researchers studied health patterns to better understand these differences. Their approach may help identify prevention strategies that work across diverse communities.
Long-Term Health May Matter
The study suggests that cardiovascular health during midlife could influence later cognitive changes. Importantly, looking at health over decades may reveal patterns that one-time measurements miss.
The findings support a focus on healthy habits throughout adulthood. Regular movement, nutritious food, and healthy blood pressure can benefit both heart and brain.
Researchers say more studies are needed to understand how these factors affect different groups. Meanwhile, maintaining healthy habits may offer a practical step toward healthier aging.
