Walk With the Doc Saturday May 13th, 7:00 am Does Cardiovascular Disease Presage Dementia? Have you wondered why cardiovascular risk factors often top my list of concerns? In case I missed a chance to elaborate, I’ll share a few thoughts that may speak to your curiosity. As a result of lifestyle choices, cardiovascular disease (atherosclerosis) is showing up much earlier. A generation ago cardiovascular disease was rarely seen in teens. Today it’s common. By middle age it’s now an epidemic. In societies around the world that are isolated from the influences of the Standard American Diet (SAD) diet and exercise patterns, atherosclerosis is extraordinarily rare. In some societies, less than one person in a thousand has a death attributable to atherosclerosis. Contrast that with life in America where atherosclerosis is now the most likely cause of death. Today we have evidence that atherosclerosis in middle age likely predicts dementia in later years. Combine atherosclerosis with diabetes and you double the risk. Want to increase the risk for dementia another 40%? That’s easy enough, just let your blood pressure (hypertension) run wild or use tobacco products. Of course, genetics, age, and race are also important factors. Typically diabetes is second to genetic status in increasing risk. For reasons not fully understood, age exerts a greater influence on dementia risks in whites. The point, while genetics and race make a difference in risk, what’s important is an early plan to offset their effects. While longevity is a plus, quality of life over those years is the big win. That’s why I’m concerned about your cardiovascular risk factors. There is more to learn at “Mid-life cardiovascular risk factors set stage for later-life dementia.” While medicines can help improve quality of life and delay unwanted outcomes, the most effective long term treatment for atherosclerosis is lifestyle changes in diet and exercise. Once under control, medicines may be reduced or eliminated. Now that you know, why not join me for a step toward health. We walk come rain or shine. Need a friend to encourage your exercise plan? That’s why I’ll be there. A relaxed Spring morning walk around the lake is as good as medicine gets. Nancy Neighbors, MD What Is Atherosclerosis ? Atherosclerosis is a buildup of plaque inside arteries. This plaque is made of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances. Unless prevented, plaque collects on the walls of arteries, hardens and eventually restricts flow of blood. This limits the flow of oxygen-rich blood and is the beginning of serious future problems that can lead to heart attack and stroke. Still puzzled about the role atherosclerosis plays in our health? Click here to view a short video that shows how the plaque buildup inside the arteries can cause a heart attack. While modern medicine is helpful, there is often far more we can do for ourselves as portrayed in the six modifiable risk factors below. Let’s take a walk Date: Saturday, May 13th Location: Jones Family Park (see map) Time: 7:00 am (Meet in front of Yogurt Mt.) Yogurt Mt. is the last store at the end of Valley Bend Shopping Center). If cloudy, bring an umbrella, we walk come rain or shine. Click here for Dr. Neighbors’ 2017 news page If you would prefer to discontinue receiving ideas about healthy living from Dr. Neighbors please phone (256) 882-6085. |
