# Your Brain May Slow Down Years Before a Heart Attack or Stroke

*Cognitive Decline Preceding Incident Cardiovascular Events in Older Adults.*

- **Evidence Level**: Moderate
- **Publication Types**: Journal Article, Observational Study
- **Journal**: JAMA network open
- **Sample Size**: 9,435 adults aged 65+ (1,887 cases, 7,548 controls)
- **Authors**: Vishwanath S, Wu Z, Tonkin A, Cloud GC, Hopper I, Orchard SG, Wolfe R, Shah RC, Zhou Z, Murray A, Woods RL, Nelson MR, Stocks N, Reid CM, Venkataraman P, Abhayaratna WP, Donnan GA, Eaton CB, Williamson JD, Ernst ME, Ryan J
- **Published**: 2026-04-01
- **Topics**: cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, early detection
- **DOI**: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.7841
- **Original Source**: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42008268/

## Summary

In older adults, thinking skills started declining 3 to 8 years before they had a major cardiovascular event like a stroke or heart failure. The drops showed up in memory, processing speed, and verbal fluency compared to people who stayed healthy. This hints that heart disease and brain aging share deep roots, and subtle cognitive changes might be an early warning sign.

## Practical Takeaway

This study suggests unexplained cognitive changes in older adults may warrant a closer look at heart health.

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_Canonical: https://longevity-switzerland.com/en/research/your-brain-may-slow-down-years-before-a-heart-attack-or-stroke · Part of Longevity Cities · Updated 2026-04-01_