. . . proof there’s a strong connection between heart health and brain function Dozens of studies in recent years have suggested a close connection between heart health and brain function. Now, two newer studies appear to confirm that link. Published recently in the journal Neurology, researchers found that both hardened arteries and high blood sugar are closely associated with changes in the brain regarding memory. This is encouraging news for seniors. It shows that changing to a heart-healthy lifestyle—using foods, exercise, stress reduction techniques, and more—also benefits brain health. And that could mean less risk for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Stiffer arteries linked to increased brain plaques At the beginning of the first study, University of Pittsburgh scientists scanned the brains of volunteers, who were aged 83-96 and showing no signs of dementia. These scans recorded the levels of beta-amyloid plaques—a substance previously associated with Alzh…