Heart Health and Brain Function

Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Heart Health and Brain Function

Sharp minds and healthy hearts go hand in hand. According to Dr. Evan Thacker from Brigham Young University , poor heart fitness may be linked to memory impairment. He also suggests that people with healthy hearts also have healthy minds.

After studying around 18,000 Americans, the study found links between the mind and heart:


  • Changes in cognitive ability were linked to cardiovascular health.

  • Lack of learning and memory development in 4.6% of the participants were those with the weakest heart health.

  • Healthier hearts were found among men who had higher education backgrounds and higher incomes.

  • Memory impairment was common with people who had pre-existing heart disease.


  • Although there this is strong evidence that there is a connection between heart health and mental function, it does not prove that better brain function is a result of heart health.