Vascular dementia: what is it and how is it related to heart health?

Key points:

• Heart Research Australia’s REDFEB begins in February 2025 to increase Australians’ awareness of how looking after their heart can impact their brain health
• Making changes to your diet and exercise could improve your well-being and also reduce your risk of vascular dementia, which is caused by insufficient blood to the brain
• Heart Research Australia Chief Executive Officer Nicci Dent emphasised how improving your heart health can reduce ‘your future risk of cognitive decline, including dementia’

With REDFEB fast approaching, a Heart Research Australia initiative held in February 2025 to raise funds and awareness of heart health, now is a good time to learn more about how you can reduce your risk of associated dementia. 

Dementia Australia estimated approximately 421,000 people live with dementia in Australia, with this number expected to double by 2058.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, but Australians with poor heart health are at risk of developing vascular dementia. This can also occur at the same time as Alzheimer’s disease.

Vascular dementia can occur when not enough blood reaches the brain, causing brain damage. Clots and narrowed blood vessels may cause a stroke, which can result in a lack of blood getting to the brain. 

A person with vascular dementia may develop symptoms suddenly, such as behavioural changes, difficulty moving and a reduced ability to think logically or plan.

Dr Miranda Say, a clinical neuropsychologist, explained how looking after your heart could reduce your risk of dementia and other health conditions.

“Heart health and brain health are intimately connected,” she said.

“The brain relies on a steady supply of blood from the heart. Conditions like high blood pressure [and] high cholesterol can disrupt blood flow, increasing the risk of stroke and cognitive decline, including dementia.”

Risk factors for vascular dementia include having high blood pressure, being overweight or obese, having diabetes and having high cholesterol. 

For example, plaque may narrow the arteries of a person with high cholesterol. This could cause a blood clot and reduce blood flow around the body and to the brain. 

Older Australians can reduce their risk of vascular dementia by engaging in physical activity and eating a healthy and balanced diet.

However, approximately 11 in 12 Australians aged 65 years or older don’t consume the recommended daily fruit and vegetables according to recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 

The recommended guidelines in Australia suggest older Australians should aim to eat five servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit a day.

In addition to eating a balanced diet, Heart Research Australia’s 4M recommendations include being active, taking care of one’s mental health and getting regular health checkups for blood pressure and cholesterol to improve heart health.

Dr Say also emphasises the value of finding physical activities you enjoy doing regularly to improve the quality of your life and your brain and heart health.

“While a big change can make a big difference, a smaller change can be easier to commit to and a small change done regularly can also make a tangible difference,” she said. 

“This is what the whole idea of the 4Ms with REDFEB and Heart Research Australia is about — making small tangible changes.

“[For example], going for one big walk per year, that’s not going to cause major benefits to your health, but going for a smaller walk more days than not, that is likely to have some benefit to your physical health — both in terms of heart and brain health.

“Even if you have got a diagnosis of dementia, there is still life to be lived and joy that can be found in living your life.”

Heart Research Australia Chief Executive Officer Nicci Dent explained why making changes to improve heart health can reduce your risk of heart attacks and also protect your brain health.

“Prioritising heart health isn’t just about preventing heart attacks — it’s also about safeguarding your brain health and reducing your future risk of cognitive decline, including dementia,” she said.

“The message is simple, what’s good for your heart health is also good for your brain health.”

Heart Research Australia Nutritionist Chloe Steele emphasised how being more aware of ingredients in packaged foods and maintaining a balanced diet can benefit your well-being.

“It’s important to know what you are eating and understand how to read the backs of packets. Avoiding [ultra-] processed foods and keeping your diet simple and fresh can help support your heart and brain health,” she said.

Processed foods are items that have been changed in some way from their original form such as milk which is pasteurised to remove bacteria, and tinned vegetables that are preserved to last longer.

Ultra-processed foods, such as pastries, ice cream, chocolate and crisps, will often be very high in calories, with added sugar and preservatives. These are foods to eat in moderation and to swap with healthier options such as fruit when possible.

However, looking after your health can impact more than just yourself. While you are likely to benefit from the changes, participating in REDFEB can provide younger Australians in your life, such as your adult children or grandchildren, with positive role models as they strive for better health.

Ms Dent encouraged all Australians to get involved in raising awareness for Heart Research Australia this February by wearing red and raising funds.

“Taking care of your heart today can have lasting benefits for both your heart and brain,” she said.

“By supporting REDFEB, you’re not only helping to fund vital research but also empowering yourself and your loved ones to live healthier, longer more active lives.”

Heart Research Australia has also launched a free 30-minute webinar called Healthy Heart, Sharp Mind to help Australians learn more about the four simple steps to improving heart and brain health. 

Register your interest by entering your email address on the Heart Research Australia website to receive access straight away.

Heart Research Australia was founded in 1986 and has since raised over $36.4 million dollars to research heart health. 

What changes will you make to reduce your risk of vascular dementia and improve your brain health?

Let the team at Talking Aged Care know on social media. 

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