Stroke significantly increases the likelihood of developing dementia
Strokes, which occur when blood supply to an area of the brain is interrupted, can have devastating effects, causing speech damage, paralysis, limb weakness, and even death. According to recent studies, the risk of dementia is significantly elevated for stroke survivors, with approximately 19% of stroke victims developing dementia over an average follow-up period of 5.5 years.
The increased risk of dementia is primarily due to stroke-related brain injury and the resulting biochemical changes. For instance, patients with H-type hypertension (hypertension combined with hyperhomocysteinemia) who experience an acute ischemic stroke have been found to show elevated levels of blood uric acid, which correlates negatively with cognitive function and is an independent risk factor for worse dementia outcomes. Similarly, atrial fibrillation (AF), a common cause of stroke, increases the risk for vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
However, there is hope for stroke survivors and those seeking to reduce their risk of both stroke and dementia. Dietary interventions have been shown to play a crucial role in lowering these risks. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and Mediterranean diets, which encourage high intake of plant-based foods, lean proteins, and heart-healthy fats, are linked to lower stroke risk and improved vascular health.
The MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diet, a more specific diet tailored to promote brain health and prevent cognitive decline, has also shown promising results. Adherence to the MIND diet has been associated with improved cognitive performance and a lower risk of Alzheimer's and related dementias. The MIND diet is rich in nutrients such as vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, resveratrol, and nitric oxide, which support brain health and lower the risk of dementia.
The MIND diet includes 3+ servings a day of whole grains, 1+ servings a day of vegetables (other than green leafy), 6+ servings a week of green leafy vegetables, 5+ servings a week of nuts, 4+ meals a week of beans, 2+ servings a week of berries, 2+ meals a week of poultry, 1+ meals a week of fish, and uses olive oil in place of other fats. By focusing on green leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and lean proteins, and limiting saturated fats, sugars, and processed foods, the MIND diet helps maintain healthy blood pressure, improve artery flexibility, and reduce clotting, all of which lower stroke risk and subsequent vascular dementia risk.
In light of these findings, healthcare professionals like Dr. Joundi recommend monitoring stroke sufferers for cognitive decline, addressing vascular risk factors, and encouraging lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation and increased physical activity to reduce the risk of dementia. By adopting the MIND diet, individuals can take a proactive step towards safeguarding their cognitive health and potentially reducing their risk of stroke and dementia.
[1] Xu, J., et al. (2017). Serum uric acid levels and cognitive function in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Stroke, 48(1), 145-150. [2] Gao, X., et al. (2018). Dietary patterns and the risk of stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Journal of the American Heart Association, 7(3), e008125. [3] Benussi, S., et al. (2014). Atrial fibrillation and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. European Heart Journal, 35(16), 1102-1111. [4] Morris, M. C., et al. (2015). MIND diet associated with reduced incidence of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's & Dementia, 11(9), 1007-1014.
Patients with chronic conditions such as H-type hypertension and atrial fibrillation, which are linked to an increased risk of strokes, may also face a higher risk of developing dementia. On the other hand, adopting the MIND diet, a health-and-wellness approach rich in brain-supporting nutrients, has been associated with improved cognitive performance and a lower risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
