Persons with heart failure (HF) are typically older and are at a much higher risk of developing cognitive impairment (CI) than persons without HF.Aerobic exercise is documented to increase cerebral perfusion and oxygenation by promoting neuroplasticity and neurogenesis and, in turn, cognitive functioning. This article focuses on the potential benefits of aerobic exercise on cognitive functioning in HF. The prevalence of HF among older adults is estimated to be 10% among those of 75 years of age, increasing to 20% among those of over the age of 80.
Increasingly, CI inhibits the person’s ability to perform effective self-care, behaviors that are essential for optimal HF management and improved quality of life. Self-care in HF encompasses prevention measures (salt and fluid restrictions, weighing daily, and medication adherence), management of symptoms (resting when fatigued), and making…
