High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, has long been associated with an increased risk of developing dementia and cognitive impairment. However, a recent study conducted in China has shed light on the effectiveness of medications that reduce blood pressure in lowering the risk of dementia.
The study, led by Jiang He at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, involved 33,995 participants in rural China who were 40 years or older and had hypertension. The participants were divided into two groups, with one group receiving aggressive treatment to lower their blood pressure using multiple anti-hypertensive medications, lifestyle changes, and coaching on home blood-pressure monitoring. The other group received standard treatment with just one medication on average.
After 48 months, the participants underwent follow-up appointments where their blood pressure was measured, and signs of cognitive impairment were assessed using standardized questionnaires. The results showed that the group receiving multiple medications saw a significant reduction in their blood pressure compared to the control group. Additionally, 15% fewer people in the multiple medication group were diagnosed with dementia during the study, and 16% fewer experienced cognitive impairment.
According to He, the findings of the study highlight the effectiveness of blood pressure reduction in reducing the risk of dementia in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. He emphasizes the importance of adopting this proven-effective intervention on a wider scale to alleviate the global burden of dementia.
Experts like Zachary Marcum from the University of Washington and Raj Shah from Rush University acknowledge the significance of treating high blood pressure in preventing dementia. However, they stress the importance of considering other risk factors that contribute to dementia, such as smoking, inactivity, obesity, social isolation, and hearing loss.
In conclusion, while treating high blood pressure is crucial in reducing the risk of dementia, a holistic approach that addresses various risk factors over the course of a lifetime is essential for maintaining brain health and overall well-being. By incorporating lifestyle changes, medications, and regular monitoring, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their cognitive function and age healthily.
