New research shows keeping your heart healthy also means that you will have less brain decline with age.

A study published a couple of days ago in the Journal of the American Heart Association has found that those who look after their heart also have the benefit of less brain/cognitive decline with age.

Researcher Hanah Gardener, who is a neurologist at the University of Miami' Miller School of Medicine, stated that "The results of our study highlight the need for patients and physicians to monitor and address heart health factors and strive for ideal levels [blood pressume, chlolesterol & sugar levels], as these factors not only influence cardiovascular health but also brain health."

Dr. Gregg Fonarow, a University of California professor of cardiology, added: "The benefits of the heart health factors apply to all ages, and it is never too late to begin to make positive changes in lifestyle or make improvements in risk factors. It is critical to maintain a healthy body weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels." Fonarow also empasised the importance of physical acitivty, recommending that people get at least 10,000 steps in each day.

So it is doubly important to maintain healthy blood pressure, chloesterol and blood sugar levels, as well as getting exercise, eating nutritious foods, losing weight and not smoking.