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Study: Lowering High Blood Pressure Linked to Reduced Dementia Risk
Controlling hypertension through medication and lifestyle changes may significantly decrease the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment, according to a comprehensive study conducted in China. This research highlights the crucial role of blood pressure management in dementia prevention.
The Connection Between Hypertension and Dementia
- Numerous studies have established a link between high blood pressure, clinically termed hypertension, and an elevated risk of developing dementia.
- Emerging research suggests that blood pressure treatment itself might contribute to a lower dementia risk.
Investigating Blood Pressure Medication and Cognitive Decline
To delve deeper into this association, Dr. Jiang He and his team at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center conducted a study examining the effectiveness of blood pressure-reducing medications on dementia and cognitive impairment.
Study Methodology and Participant Groups
The research involved 33,995 participants from rural China, all aged 40 and above, who were diagnosed with hypertension. Participants, with an average age of approximately 63, were randomly assigned to one of two groups:
Intervention Group: Intensive Blood Pressure Management
- This group received an average of three anti-hypertensive drugs, including ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and calcium channel blockers, to aggressively lower and maintain blood pressure within a healthy range.
- Participants also received guidance on home blood pressure monitoring and lifestyle modifications known to reduce blood pressure, such as weight management and limiting alcohol and sodium intake.
Control Group: Standard Treatment and Lifestyle Coaching
- The control group received the same lifestyle coaching but underwent standard hypertension treatment prevalent in the region, typically involving just one medication on average.
Study Findings: Impact on Cognitive Function
After a 48-month follow-up period, researchers assessed participants’ blood pressure and cognitive function using standardized questionnaires to identify signs of cognitive impairment.
Blood Pressure Reduction Achieved
Medication significantly lowered blood pressure in the intervention group. Average readings decreased from 157.0/87.9 mmHg to 127.6/72.6 mmHg. In contrast, the control group experienced a less pronounced reduction, from 155.4/87.2 mmHg to 147.7/81.0 mmHg.
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Reduced Risk of Dementia and Cognitive Impairment
Crucially, the study revealed a significant difference in cognitive outcomes:
- Compared to the control group, the intervention group showed a 15 percent reduction in dementia diagnoses during the study period.
- This group also experienced a 16 percent lower incidence of cognitive impairment.
Expert Perspectives on Dementia Prevention
Dr. He emphasized the study’s implications, stating, “The findings…demonstrated that blood pressure reduction is effective in lowering the risk of dementia in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. This proven intervention should be widely implemented to lessen the global impact of dementia.”
Dr. Zachary Marcum from the University of Washington in Seattle added that the research provides “compelling evidence” supporting the “clinical benefit of blood pressure reduction medications” for dementia risk.
Dr. Raj Shah at Rush University in Chicago noted the study’s contribution to the growing body of evidence supporting hypertension management as a strategy to delay dementia. However, he cautioned that dementia is complex and influenced by numerous factors beyond blood pressure.
A Holistic Approach to Brain Health and Aging
Dr. Shah advocates for treating high blood pressure for its broader health benefits, stating it is important “for people’s longevity and well-being and so they can age healthily.”
Dr. Marcum highlights the significance of a broader approach to dementia prevention beyond blood pressure alone. He pointed to other established dementia risk factors, such as smoking, physical inactivity, obesity, social isolation, and hearing impairment.
Both experts agree on the importance of a comprehensive, lifetime approach to reduce dementia risk, addressing various contributing factors across different life stages.