The American Heart Association is establishing the American Heart Association Center for the Brain™, a new national initiative designed to advance science, deepen understanding of the heart-brain connection, and help people live longer, healthier lives. The announcement, made at the Association's Scientific Sessions, signals an expanded focus on brain health as an essential component of overall wellness and longevity, with an emphasis on prevention at every age and stage of life.
The initiative is grounded in growing scientific evidence that the heart and brain health are deeply interconnected. Many of the same risk factors that affect the heart also affect the brain, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and smoking. Managing these risk factors and adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors, including those outlined in the Association's Life’s Essential 8™, can support brain health and healthier aging.
“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. “Building on the extraordinary body of knowledge and innovative science generated through the American Stroke Association since 1998, the Center for the Brain will bring together researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, advocates and communities to deepen our understanding of the heart-brain connection and turn that knowledge into action, helping people maximize their brain health throughout their lives.”
The announcement comes as the evidence-based understanding of brain health continues to evolve. To date, the Heart Association has awarded nearly $800 million to support scientific research related to the brain and stroke. “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. Through the Center, we can harness the American Heart Association’s experience in science, guidelines and systems of care to create a more integrated approach to all aspects of brain health across the lifespan.”
The initiative builds on a century of progress since the American Heart Association’s founding in 1924, during which 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. “We are committed to creating a future where more people can enjoy healthier hearts and healthier brains as we continue to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere.” Resources to help protect brain health throughout life are available at Heart.org.
