Alzheimer's disease linked to poor heart health in elderly women
02 January 2007
 In an innovative American study, poor cardiac health has been linked to mental impairments in elderly women, leading to the development of mental illnesses like Alzheimer's disease. It has long been considered that cognitive and cardiac malfunctions were linked, but this is the first time it has been scientifically proven, according to the study's author, Dr Dae Hyun Kim.A healthy heart naturally varies its rate and rhythm throughout the day in response to physical and mental demands, according to Dr Kim. He writes in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society: "Advancing age and disease can lower the heart's ability to change its rate and rhythm, which can be associated with changes in mental function."The author does admit however, that he still has no concrete evidence as to how the heart affects cognitive functions as of yet.Further research to help identify risk factors will not only benefit the elderly, but also care-givers, the health care system and society, according to Dr Kim.By connecting heart conditions and cognitive ability, it is hoped that in the future, doctors will be able to advise patients how best to avoid situations that may trigger the onset of mental illnesses.  © Adfero Ltd© 2008 Adfero Ltd. All rights reserved. Any views and opinions expressed in news articles are not those of Craegmoor Limited and its associated companies. News supplied by Adfero DirectNews.
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