Healthy hearts 'can ward off Alzheimer's'

For years healthcare experts have been researching herbal remedies to stave off the onset of life-damaging Alzheimer's disease, but the key to preventing the condition may be linked to another part of the body, according to one expert.

Andrew Scheuber, spokesperson for the Alzheimer's Research Trust, said that by simply eating sensibly and aiming to maintain a healthy heart, people can help to ward off the condition.

The expert was speaking after a recent study published in the journal Neurology showed that people who have high blood pressure are at an increased risk of developing memory problems.

Mr Scheuber explained: "It's kind of drawn us towards to the conclusion that what's good for your heart is good for your head as well."

The report, which is entitled Association of higher diastolic blood pressure levels with cognitive impairment, found that higher diastolic blood pressure was cross-sectionally and independently associated with impaired cognitive status in medical health insurance customers.

According to Mr Scheuber, a healthy diet is essential when attempting to stave off any health condition, not only dementia.

He also advised that people with health cover who are ageing should do "all they can" to keep their brains active, as this can also help to ward off dementia.

"The worst thing you can do when you get older is to just vegetate on the couch and not do anything. The best thing that old people can do is make sure that they get involved in lots of social interactions," he commented.

This is not necessarily about doing brain training exercises, but also making sure that they get out often and have regular conversations with other adults to stay sharp, Mr Scheuber recommended.

By Louise Tate

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