If you are the caregiver to someone with Alzheimer's disease, be on the lookout for signs of a heart attack.
Recent research has show that the same proteins that appear to cause Alzheimer's can build up in the heart.
These proteins, called amyloid beta proteins, build up between brain cells and cause noticeable neurological symptoms. A study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, discovered that these proteins also build up in the left ventricle of the heart, making it thicker. The thickened left ventricle may not be able to effectively pump blood throughout the body. This means that Alzheimer's patients are at higher risk of heart attack and stroke, according to The Cardiovascular Group of Georgia.
Alzheimer's is the most common type of dementia and comprises 60 to 80 percent of cases.
Signs of heart attack include chest pain, pain that spreads to the arm, dizziness or nausea, pain in the throat or jaw and an irregular heartbeat.
Prevention
You can do some thing now to help prevent Alzheimer's and improve your cardiovascular health.
* Stop smoking. Smoking just 10 to 20 cigarettes per day can double or triple the risk of dementia.
* Exercise regularly to send oxygen-rich blood flowing to the brain.
* Eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables to get phytochemicals and antioxidants.
* Keep your blood pressure under control naturally or with medication.
* Take diabetes medications as directed to keep blood sugar in the normal range.