Whether you like Chicago blues or '80s pop music — Luther Allison or Debbie Gibson — there's a song called "Think With Your Heart" to enjoy. Unfortunately, that advice doesn't always end well, at least in romantic song lyrics.

Nevertheless, research shows you really do think with your heart.

Brain health depends on unobstructed blood flow carrying oxygen, glucose (which brain cells use for fuel), and nutrients. That's why plaque in your blood vessels, hypertension, high triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels, and elevated hsCRP (an inflammation marker), which all affect your heart health, also damage your brain.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) that causes memory lapses, interrupted thoughts, and inattention is related to those sorts of circulatory problems.

The American Academy of Neurology estimates that around 8% of people ages 65-69 and 37% of those 85 and over have MCI. And 10-20% of those cases progress to full-blown dementia.

Fortunately, you can improve your circulatory health and protect your brain.

You know about eating a heart-healthy Mediterranean diet, and eliminating processed carbs and red meats. But did you know you can improve circulatory and brain health with these steps?

• Sleep not too little (less than seven hours) and not too much (more than eight).

• Exercise to improve blood flow to the brain; it may also stimulate release of molecules that repair brain cells and create connections between them.

• Learn new things; take a language course or take up knitting.