057 – How to Manage Cardiovascular Risk Factors for Better Brain Health

In This Episode:

Dr. K explains cardiovascular risk factors, which often contribute to cerebral small vessel disease, a common brain health problem in older adults. She covers:

• Why blood vessel health is key to brain and heart health
• 3 key ways blood vessels become damaged over time
• What is atherosclerosis
• The top risk factor for having a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular event
• 12 key cardiovascular risk factors to know
• 5 key approaches every older adult should use, to improve cardiovascular health
• What to do, if a brain scan shows signs of cerebral small vessel disease

Related episodes: 

048 – How Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Affects Most Aging Brains

018 – High Blood Pressure Treatment in Older Adults: Research Findings & Practical Tips

Related Resources:

• How to Address Cardiovascular Risk Factors for Better Brain Health: 12 Risks to Know & 5 Things to Do
• What is inflammation?
• 6 Steps to Better High Blood Pressure Treatment for Older Adults
• Quitting Smoking for Older Adults
• Maintaining Mobility & Preventing Falls in Aging: Myths & Truths
• Go4Life from the National Institute on Aging (exercise website)
• How to Follow the Mediterranean Diet for Aging Health, & Related Research Findings
• Addressing Loneliness in Aging
• Cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and insomnia
• 5 Top Causes of Sleep Problems in Aging, & Proven Ways to Treat Insomnia
• 4 Types of Brain-Slowing Medication to Avoid if You’re Worried About Memory