Study: Low Cognitive Scores Increase Heart Attack Risk

Researchers have found a link between diminished cognitive ability and heart disease according to a new study published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Based on the study’s findings, individuals who have declining cognitive power, including difficulty solving problems and managing time, are 85 percent more likely to suffer a heart attack. 

The study, which was conducted at Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC) in the Netherlands, analyzed cognitive tests and other health information for 4,000 study participants with an average age of 75. In addition to having an increased risk of heart attack, study participants who had low cognitive scores also were 51 percent more likely to suffer a stroke.

One explanation for the increased risk of stroke is that a decline in cognitive function could be a sign of a diseased blood supply in the brain. Blood vessel disease in the brain is also linked to cardiovascular disease, which explains why these individuals have an increased risk of heart attack. 

Researchers say the findings may shed light on a new way to approach the treatment of aging individuals. Behnam Sabayan, one of the study’s researchers told Newsweek, "This calls for closer collaboration between neurologists and cardiologists. When an older patient experiences cognitive problems, certainly it should be discussed with a physician since it might give clues about higher risk of cardiovascular events in the future."

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