If the heart is strong and healthy, and there are no disruptions along the network of vessels, then each beat will reliably carry blood throughout the body. Resting heart rate is a measure of how efficiently the heart pumps blood throughout the body, with lower rates representing better fitness. It was found that elderly individuals with a resting heart rate greater than 80 bpm had a 55% higher risk for dementia than those with a resting heart rate of 60 to 70 bpm. The normal range for resting heart rate is between 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm). This heart-brain connection may underlie the overlap between risk factors for dementia and cardiovascular disease. As the engine that pumps this fuel throughout the body along a network of vessels, the heart plays a critical role in maintaining brain function. Just as blood flow to the muscles increases during physical exercise, blood flow to the brain increases during mental exercise. The brain and cardiovascular system are coupled such that the amount of blood sent to the brain adjusts to meet its energy demands. The brain needs around 20% of the body’s blood supply in order to sustain its activity. As the most energy intensive organ, the brain requires a lot of fuel. As the carrier of life-sustaining oxygen and nutrients, blood is the fuel of the body.
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