Brain and heart health are tied together. Here are 5 ways to control both – CBC

New recommendations advocate holistic approach to protect brain health

Mar 30, 2026

Heart, brain and mental health conditions can overlap in ways doctors and patients should be aware of and address, according to new Canadian guidelines.

Monday’s issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal lists 11 recommendations in total to benefit a person’s heart and cardiovascular system as well as lower their risk of dementia.

“I think many people aren’t aware that if they have heart disease, they are potentially at risk for having a stroke or cognitive impairment,” said lead author Jodi Edwards, a scientist and director of the Brain and Heart Nexus Research Program at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.

“At the same time, the benefit is that if you properly manage those risks and reduce your risk of heart disease, you get benefits for your brain as well,” said Edwards, an associate professor at the University of Ottawa.

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/heart-brain-health-9.7147367