The American Heart Association is creating the American Heart Association Center for the Brain™, a national initiative aimed at advancing science and deepening understanding of the connection between heart and brain health. The announcement, made at the organization's scientific sessions, comes as growing scientific evidence underscores how closely cardiovascular health and cognitive function are linked.
According to the association, the center will bring together researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, advocates and communities to turn knowledge into action. “Heart health and brain health cannot be viewed in isolation. They are deeply connected throughout our lives,” said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. The initiative builds on the American Stroke Association's work since 1998 and aims to help people maximize brain health throughout their lives.
The importance of the announcement lies in the shared risk factors that affect both organs. Many of the factors that affect the heart also affect the brain, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and smoking. Managing these risk factors and following healthy lifestyle behaviors, including those outlined in the American Heart Association Life’s Essential 8™, can support brain health and healthier aging.
“We are at an inflection point in brain science,” said Mitch Elkind, M.D., M.S., FAHA, chief science officer for brain health and stroke of the American Heart Association. “Advances in research are creating new opportunities to protect brain health and prevent disease earlier.” To date, the Heart Association has awarded nearly $800 million to support scientific research related to the brain and stroke. Since its founding in 1924, death rates from cardiovascular disease have been reduced by half and deaths from stroke decreased by one-third. “This progress shows what’s possible, and we’re excited about what comes next,” Brown said.
For readers, the initiative signals a broader shift toward preventive brain health. Resources to help protect brain health throughout life are available at Heart.org. The American Heart Association also provides information on brain health and heart.org, with stroke-related resources at stroke.org.
