The Alzheimer’s Society of Grey-Bruce says a healthy heart means a healthy brain.
With February being heart month, Public Education Coordinator Sandra Hong encourages everyone to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Hong says a healthy brain needs a good supply of blood, which is carried through the vascular system.
If the vascular system around the brain becomes damaged, she says the cells will eventually die from lack of blood and oxygen.
Hong says this could lead to an onset of vascular dementia; the second most common form of dementia to date.
Hong says the disease differs from Alzheimer’s because you will see functioning deteroriate and then the condition will stabilize.
But conditions could quickly deteriorate again.
Hong says the symptoms include periods of confusion, language and memory problems, epiletic seizures or hallucinations.
She says eating properly and exercising regularly will keep your heart strong, which will keep blood and oxygen circulating.
Hong says this could slow down the progression of the disease, or even prevent it from happening in the first place.
She adds if you note a change in yourself or a family member, it is time to go to the doctor because early diagnosis will determine the best treatment.
