Did you know there is a connection between heart health, hearing health and cognitive decline?
While having a healthy heart is key to living longer, for those with cardiovascular disease (including high blood pressure and poor cholesterol) it is even more important that you understand how an unhealthy heart can damage your ears and your brain.
The connection of heart health to your ears and your brain is very simple – it has everything to do with blood flow! Your ears and your brain are always active (even when you sleep) and always need a fresh supply of oxygen from your blood. Any compromise of blood flow can be detrimental to your ears and your brain.
Nearly 50% of older adults live with some form of heart disease, including hypertension, high blood pressure, and cholesterol issues. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women, killing nearly 610,000 people every year in the United States.
What most people don’t realize is that heart disease significantly increases their risk of developing hearing loss and dementia. Both men and women living with cardiovascular disease are equally at risk of developing significant hearing loss.
Vascular dementia is the 2nd most common form of dementia (after Alzheimer’s disease) and is characterized by lesions in the brain that result from compromised blood flow and oxygen supply. Vascular dementia is a devastating disease that is often diagnosed after it is too late to address cardiovascular disease and the damage is already done.
For older adults living with heart disease, it is critical that you manage your heart health and supplement your nutrition to improve cardiovascular function and prevent cognitive decline. In addition to working with your cardiologist to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol and control blood sugar (yes, this applies to patients with and without diabetes), you must visit a www.ExcellenceInAudiology.org hearing healthcare provider and consider supplementing your cardiovascular medicines with CoQ10.
How to Best Care for Your Heart, Ears, and Brain!
Treat your Hearing Loss
The medical treatment of hearing loss and tinnitus is the single most important lifestyle change you can make to prevent cognitive decline and dementia. Studies published in two of the most renowned and influential medical journals, including the American Medical Association and The Lancet, recommend the urgent need to address hearing loss to improve and prevent cognitive decline. Consult with your local www.ExcellenceInAudiology.org to determine your next steps to actively age and fight back against decline.
Take CoQ10 Supplements Daily
Not only is CoQ10 the #1 recommended heart-healthy supplement, CoQ10 may also offer benefits to the brain that include improved memory, overall cognitive function, and mood.
CoQ10 from www.PreventingDecline.com provides the antioxidant support your heart and brain need to function at their best. One (1) CoQ10 supplement per day with food and water is all you need to help support heart function, energy metabolism, and protect you from the oxidative stress that damages heart and brain cells.
CoQ10 is a natural antioxidant found in organs with the highest energy needs, including your heart and brain. This supplement helps fight the damaging effects of free radicals throughout the body, heart, and brain.
Any adult who is looking to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease and improve memory and cognitive function should consider taking CoQ10 supplements on a daily basis.
Exercise
Cardio exercises can keep your heart active and blood pumping to your ears and your brain. Consider adopting some of the regular exercises listed below and be sure to consult with your doctor.
- Walking
- Dancing
- Pickleball
- Playing With Pets or Children
- Swimming
- Following a Home Exercise Video
- Bicycling
- Stair Climbing
Nutrition
A healthy diet is key to controlling cholesterol levels, which keeps your heart working at optimal levels. It is recommended to increase your intake of vegetables, nuts, grains, fruits, seeds, and beans (while limiting saturated fats and animal products). You can get a copy of the Healthy Food, Healthy Brain Cookbook at www.PreventingDecline.com and feed your heart, brain, and ears exactly what they need to perform their best!
Nourishing foods that feed your heart, brain and ears include:
- Asparagus
- Black Beans
- Avocado
- Wild Salmon
- Chia Seeds
- Oatmeal
- Leafy Green Vegetables
- Whole Grains
- Berries
- Fatty Fish and Fish Oil
- Walnuts
- Dark Chocolate
- Tomatoes
- Almonds
- Garlic
- Olive Oil
- Edamame
- Green Tea
Heart Health is so important for cognitive health. Not only can cardiovascular disease increase the risk of hearing loss, but it also dramatically increases the risk of cognitive decline and dementia (i.e., vascular dementia). The importance of a heart-healthy diet, treating hearing loss and the inclusion of CoQ10 supplements are recommended for adults who strive to feel their best, live their best, and keep decline at bay.
Cheers to a healthy heart, healthy, mind, and healthy ears!
