Editorial: The heart-brain connection in emotions, cognition, and dementia

The heart-brain axis to explain cognition, emotions, and the development of dementia remains largely unknown. Conversely, the influence of the brain on the heart, especially in old age also needs to be further explored.

Therefore, we initiated this Research Topic which includes six original and four review papers. They complemented each other, showing the influence the cardiovascular system has on the brain. Our goal was to provide insights into the possible psychological, social, and biological factors involved in the heart-brain interactions that can contribute to sickness and health. The manuscripts examined the pathophysiological impacts of high blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and the influence of heart function on brain and cognition. Two manuscripts also examined the involvement of the autonomic nervous system on the heart-brain connection. Studies presented in this Research Topic suggest that hypertension might not be directly responsible for Alzheimer's disease (AD), but that cerebrovascular damage reduces resistance to cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.