New study reveals blood pressure meds could protect your brain from dementia
high blood pressure
treatments can greatly lower the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. The four-year clinical trial by the University of
Texas
, which included 34,000
Chinese
participants with hypertension, demonstrated that effectively
reducing blood pressure
to 130/80mmHg cut the risk of developing dementia by 15%.
Moreover, participants who received both medication and lifestyle advice experienced a 16% drop in their
risk of cognitive impairment
, encompassing issues with thinking, memory, language, and problem-solving abilities.
Oxford University neurologist Professor Masud Husain lauded the research, commenting, "This is a landmark study with a very large sample size and a robust effect. It's a wake-up call to
treat high blood pressure
intensively, not just to protect the heart but also the brain. In my clinic, I recommend keeping blood pressure consistently below 140/80 mmHg."
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One group received "standard care" from village doctors—blood pressure management advice and regular checks—while the other was given blood pressure-lowering meds and lifestyle coaching to help with weight loss, reducing salt intake, and cutting back on booze
(Image: Getty Images)
British Heart Foundation's research director, Professor James Leiper, highlighted that if similar outcomes are observed in other groups, "wider use of high blood pressure treatment in people with the condition could be recommended to fight the growing impact of dementia". This pivotal clinical trial in rural China may reshape global approaches to dementia prevention.
The study, which roped in 33,995 participants over 40 who hadn't been treated for hypertension before, split them into two groups. One group received "standard care" from village doctors—blood pressure management advice and regular checks—while the other was given blood pressure-lowering meds and lifestyle coaching to help with weight loss, reducing salt intake, and cutting back on booze, reports
the Mirror US
.
Published in Nature Medicine, the study found that those who got the full treatment package saw better blood pressure control, with more folks hitting their target levels, and a significant 15% drop in dementia cases over four years.
The study, which roped in 33,995 participants over 40 who hadn't been treated for hypertension before, split them into two groups
(Image: Getty Images)
Prof Husain observed: "Remarkably, within just four years, there was a significant reduction in the incidence of dementia by aggressively treating raised blood pressure. Although many patients and their GPs understand how important it is to treat blood pressur, they might not appreciate what a risk it poses for developing dementia."
Adding to this, Prof Sir Mark Caulfield from Queen Mary University of London said: "These findings show that optimising blood pressure control convincingly reduces risk of dementia... this is a very emphatic outcome of a trial. This is a really major advance in dementia prevention and will transform global blood pressure guidance and prevention strategies."
The incidence of hypertension is rising, with UK adults experiencing an uptick from 9% in the 16 to 44 age bracket to a staggering 60% for those over 65.
Published in Nature Medicine, the study found that those who got the full treatment package saw better blood pressure control, with more folks hitting their target levels.
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Commenting on the condition's impact, Dr Richard Oakley, associate director at Alzheimer's Society, said: "Dementia is the UK's biggest killer. The condition is progressive and although no single behaviour is guaranteed to prevent dementia, we know that what's good for your heart is often also good for your head.
"This study is one of the first big trials to test whether treating high blood pressure, supported by health coaching can reduce dementia risk, and the results appear to be promising."
Earlier studies have shown a 42% increased risk of dementia in people with untreated high blood pressure. The recent study looked into the effects of using medication to manage blood pressure on the likelihood of developing dementia.
Earlier studies have shown a 42% increased risk of dementia in people with untreated high blood pressure
(Image: Getty Images)
Echoing the significance, Prof Toby Richards from the University of East London remarked: "This has important ramifications for individuals. Blood Pressure can be relatively easy to measure at home, enabling individuals to take control and autonomy for their health and these data show benefit in reducing the risk for developing dementia."
Nearly a third of adults in the UK are battling with high blood pressure. The study featured dietary and lifestyle advice provided by community health leaders who lacked formal medical qualifications.
Some experts are casting doubt on the NHS's ability to provide such specialized guidance to the millions of Brits with hypertension, questioning whether the resources are there.
Health experts recommend regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, ensuring adequate sleep and reducing salt and alcohol intake
(Image: Getty Images/Johner RF)
Prof Ian Maidment from Aston University remarked on the distinctive healthcare approach in rural China, saying: "This intervention was delivered by 'village doctors' in rural villages in China. It would require significant changes for the UK and other similar healthcare systems, although potentially community pharmacists could deliver a similar program."
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a medical condition that can lead to serious health complications like heart attacks or strokes.
An individual is diagnosed with high blood pressure if their systolic blood pressure (SBP) reads 140mmHg or above, or their diastolic blood pressure (DBP) is 90mmHg or higher.
Meanwhile, diastolic blood pressure, the second number, measures the pressure of blood against artery walls when the heart is at rest between beats.
(Image: Getty Images/Westend61)
The American Heart Foundation explains that systolic blood pressure, the first number, measures the force of blood against artery walls during a heartbeat.
Meanwhile, diastolic blood pressure, the second number, measures the pressure of blood against artery walls when the heart is at rest between beats.
For diagnosing high blood pressure, an elevated reading in either systolic or diastolic pressure can be a sign, but systolic readings are especially indicative of heart disease risk in those aged over 50.
The NHS states that a normal blood pressure level is between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg.
High blood pressure is typically defined as a reading of 135/85 or higher if taken at home, or 140/90 mmHg or higher if the measurement was made at a pharmacy, GP surgery or clinic. If your reading falls between 120/80mmHg and 140/90mmHg, you could be at risk of developing high blood pressure in the future.
It's advisable to consult your GP with any concerns.
In case your blood pressure exceeds 180/120 and you experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, changes in vision or difficulty speaking, dial 999 immediately.
Health experts recommend regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, ensuring adequate sleep and reducing salt and alcohol intake as effective strategies for controlling high blood pressure.
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