When people think about brain health, they often focus on memory, puzzles or keeping mentally active. But one of the most important influences on brain health may be something far less obvious: your heart.

Researchers have learnt that the health of our blood vessels plays a major role in the health of our brains. In fact, many of the same factors that increase the risk of heart disease and stroke can also increase the risk of developing dementia later in life.

This is why experts often use a simple phrase: what's good for your heart is often good for your head.

Your brain relies on a rich network of blood vessels to deliver oxygen and nutrients to billions of nerve cells. Although the brain makes up only about 2 per cent of our body weight, it uses around 20 per cent of the body's oxygen and energy supply. When blood flow is reduced or blood vessels become damaged, the brain can be affected.

Several common health conditions can increase this risk.

High blood pressure is one of the most significant. Often called the "silent killer" because it may have no obvious symptoms, high blood pressure can damage blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the brain. Over time, this damage can affect memory, thinking, and overall brain function.

Diabetes is another important risk factor. Persistently high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves, increasing the likelihood of both cardiovascular disease and dementia.

High cholesterol can also contribute by causing fatty deposits to build up inside blood vessels, making it harder for blood to flow freely to the brain and other vital organs.

The encouraging news is that these are all conditions that can often be managed with the help of healthcare professionals and healthy lifestyle choices.

Looking after your heart is not something you have to do alone. Bermuda is fortunate to have non-profit organisations like the Bermuda Heart Foundation, which provide education, screening, and programmes designed to help people manage cardiovascular risk factors and improve their overall health.

Research increasingly shows that it is never too early — and never too late — to pay attention to these aspects of health. Looking after your heart in your 40s, 50s, and 60s can help reduce your risk of dementia later in life. Managing cardiovascular health can also benefit older adults and people already living with dementia by supporting overall wellbeing and helping them maintain independence for longer.

The good news is that many of the actions that support heart health are already familiar to us. Staying physically active, eating a balanced diet, avoiding smoking, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and attending regular health checkups all play a role.

You do not need to do everything perfectly. Brain health is not about perfection; it is about making consistent choices that support your health over time. Small changes, repeated regularly, can add up. This message is also important because dementia is often viewed as something that happens entirely outside of our control. While there is currently no guaranteed way to prevent dementia, growing evidence suggests that looking after our overall health can help reduce risk and support healthier ageing.

In future columns, we'll explore some of these topics in more detail, including physical activity, sleep, social connection, and other factors that influence brain health throughout life.

For now, one simple takeaway is worth remembering: when you take steps to protect your heart, you are also helping to protect your brain.

Memory Matters Myth Buster

Myth: There's nothing I can do because dementia runs in my family.

Fact: Having a parent or close relative with dementia does not mean you will develop dementia. Although genetics can play a role, most cases of dementia are not directly inherited. What often runs in families are shared health and lifestyle factors — such as high blood pressure, diabetes, poor diet, smoking, and physical inactivity — which can influence both heart health and brain health. Family history may influence risk, but it does not determine your future.

• Erica Fulton is executive director of Dementia Bermuda. The organisation provides information, education and support for individuals and families. Learn more at www.dementiabermuda.bm