EVERYONE KNOWS THAT EATING THE RIGHT DIET AND GETTING

enough exercise are two of the best ways to reduce therisk of clogged arteries and heart attacks. But did you alsoknow that adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle may reduceyour risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease? n In January,the Alzheimer’s Association, a nonprofit advocacy group,released a comprehensive review of the best scientific evi-dence to date about preventing and treating dementia.Looking at hundreds of studies from around the world, theysaw the most salient findings had to do with the importanceof controlling cardiovascular risk factors. Reducing bloodpressure, reducing weight, reducing cholesterol, treating (orpreferably avoiding) diabetes and not smoking were all asso-ciated with better mental function. They also saw a close cor-relation between exercise and brain health.

s p r i n g 2 0 0 6 t u f t s n u t r i t i o n 9

I

h arth

ad

connection

the

What’s good for your ticker may also keep your brain sharp