Hearts and minds

Is what is good for the heart also good for the brain?

Dr Catherine Tsang 09/06/23

It is well recognised that being overweight and obese increases the risk for the development of cardiometabolic disease, and recent evidence indicates a link to cognitive impairment associated with early onset dementia in such populations. Dementia is associated with severe cognitive impairment, reduced quality of life and mortality, and is considered a major public health crisis affecting over 50 million people globally. Worryingly, younger overweight and obese populations, may be at a higher risk of developing early-onset Dementia, with mild cognitive impairment arising in the early stages of disease.  The Global Council on Brain Health (GCBH) recently convened experts from around the globe to understand the impact of cardiovascular risk factors as well as lifestyle choices including diet, on brain health in adults. They concluded that the evidence to date shows “what’s good for the heart is also good for the brain.” So, which foods should we include in our diet? Polyphenols are natural compounds widespread in the human diet. Foods rich in polyphenols include berries, tea, dark chocolate, and red wine, are recognised for their heart health benefits, and may also play an important role in brain function. But what is the basis for polyphenols having a positive effect on cognition? Several mechanisms include antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, their potential to improve blood pressure, enhance cerebral blood flow, and to increase resting-state cerebral perfusion. Recently, scientists have been interested in studying the effects of polyphenols on brain health, with studies showing that polyphenol-rich food positively impacts cognitive performance or mood change. However, few studies have investigated the effect of polyphenols and brain health in younger “at risk” populations. Recent work highlights the importance of focusing on the impact of polyphenols in younger populations at risk of cognitive impairment. Diets enriched with polyphenols may present the potential as a non-invasive, natural, and inexpensive therapeutic means to support a healthy brain, and heart!

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