They may lower your risk of other neurodegenerative diseases, too.
Researchers surmised that one of the connecting factors could be inflammation.
They published their findings on March 11, 2025, inJAMA web connection Openheres what they found.
Photo:Getty Images. EatingWell design.
How Was This Study Conducted?
Participants had an average age of 73, and about 61% were female and 60% were black.
Demographic information was collected, including age, sex, race, BMI, education level and medical history.
Depressive symptoms were measured using a validated scale.
Researchers also took participants blood pressure every three years during follow-up visits.
The CVH score for each participant ranged from 0 to 14, with higher scores indicating better cardiovascular health.
Blood samples were assessed for the concentration of NfL or t-tau concentrations.
What Did This Study Find?
Researchers found that these associations held true independently of age, sex and race.
As for t-tau, researchers found no association between blood levels of t-tau and CVH.
How Does This Apply to Real Life?
Weve long reported on the connections between lifestyle and heart and brain health.
American Heart Association.Lifes Essential 8.
2025;8(3).
2022;146(5).
doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001078
National Library of Medicine.
