On October 4, 2024, Professor Patrizia Mecocci from the University of Perugia delivered an inspiring talk at the 5th National Congress of the Academy of Geriatrics (ACCADEMIA DI GERIATRIA), held in Verona, Italy. Her presentation focused on “Heart Failure and Cognitive Decline” in old age, introducing the innovative Lethe digital intervention.
The Academy’s mission is to provide a platform for exchanging ideas and insights related to aging, from clinical guidelines to the latest research and innovative care practices. The Academy also seeks to educate the public on healthy aging, focusing on preventing and managing chronic diseases, frailty, and multimorbidity while promoting knowledge of palliative care and the complexities of polypharmacy.
Heart failure and cognitive impairment share similar epidemiological patterns in old age, both in terms of prevalence and incidence. Cardiovascular risk factors play a key role not only in cerebrovascular disorders but also in the mechanisms of neurodegeneration. Common risk factors such as hypertension, peripheral artery disease, ischemic heart disease, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes mellitus significantly increase the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s dementia.
The Lethe project emphasizes that controlling cardiovascular risk factors—such as hypertension, obesity, and elevated blood glucose—is essential for preventing dementia, starting in midlife. Active treatment of hypertension, in particular, is highly recommended to reduce cognitive decline in both middle-aged individuals (45-65 years) and older adults (65+ years) without dementia. Beyond medical treatments, regular physical activity and a healthy diet are crucial in mitigating these risk factors.
Professor Mecocci, a founding member and former president of the Academy of Geriatrics, currently serves as its treasurer.
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