Lowering your blood pressure could slash your risk of dementia by 15% – the 14 lifestyle tweaks to make today
SLASHING high blood pressure could help protect against dementia, new research suggests.
People with high blood pressure who took medication and accepted coaching to lower it reduced their risk of the brain disease by 15 per cent, scientists found.
1
Blood pressure medicines can help slash the risk of dementia
Credit: Getty
Nearly a million Brits have dementia and it is the leading cause of death.
The new study, published in Nature Medicine, today, backs up what experts have long stressed: that dementia is not an inevitability of ageing.
'Antihypertensive treatment can prevent dementia in patients with uncontrolled hypertension," said Prof Jiang He, co-author of the study from University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
"Given the high prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension worldwide, this effective intervention should be widely adopted and scaled up to reduce the global burden of dementia."
Around one in three adults in the UK suffer from high blood pressure, also called hypertension.
It can be caused by poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, or stress, according to the NHS.
Hypertension can raise the risk of dementia by damaging blood vessels in the brain, which reduces blood flow and can lead to strokes or brain damage.
The new study builds on earlier findings, including research published in The Lancet last year that revealed that half of dementia cases could be prevented with 14 healthy habits.
Reducing high blood pressure was one, along with lowering cholesterol and good education and mental stimulation.
'Looking after our heart and blood vessel health is something we can all do to improve our overall wellbeing and reduce our risk of dementia," Dr Julia Dudley, from Alzheimer's Research UK, said.
Five simple tests that could indicate dementia
"With no current treatments available on the NHS to slow or stop the diseases that cause dementia, there has never been a more pressing need to promote good brain health and to gain a deeper understanding of how we can reduce our risk of developing dementia."
The trial, led by researchers in China and the US, involved nearly 34,000 people over 40 with uncontrolled high blood pressure across 326 rural Chinese villages.
Half were given intensive blood pressure care - free or low-cost meds, lifestyle coaching – such as weight loss, alcohol reduction and reducing salt intake advice.
They were also equipment and instructions to monitor blood pressure at home.
The other half had usual clinical care - meaning participants' blood pressure was managed in their normal clinical settings.
Lifestyle changes were recommended and some took blood pressure-lowering drugs.
But this group did not receive free at-home blood pressure monitors, medications, or coaching.
After four years, those on the intensive programme were 15 per cent less likely to develop dementia.
They also had a 16 per cent lower risk of cognitive problems without full-blown dementia.
Researchers said both groups were similar at the start, so the results are likely reliable.
However, Prof Joanna Wardlaw, from the University of Edinburgh, said the study doesn't show whether it was the blood pressure meds or the lifestyle changes that made the difference - it's likely a mix of both.
Other experts said longer studies are needed, and the approach should be tested in other countries too.
"Further studies are needed to understand how other risk factors like genetics interact with factors like high blood pressure to influence dementia risk,' Dr Julia added.
'It will also be interesting to see whether the interventions trialled in this study can work in other populations across the world," she added.
Prof Tara Spires-Jones, the director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, said the research 'provides further strong evidence supporting the importance of managing blood pressure and other cardiovascular risks to protect the brain during ageing'.
She added: 'It is important to note that treating high blood pressure was not a foolproof guarantee as some people receiving treatment still developed dementia.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Tesco shoppers warned after supermarket puts new label on popular product
The NHS has issued a stark warning to Tesco shoppers who buy the supermarket's own-brand toilet roll, urging them to 'keep an eye out' and 'contact your GP practice if something doesn't feel right' The NHS is calling on Tesco customers to 'keep an eye out' and to 'contact your GP practice if something doesn't feel right', issuing a stark health warning as Tesco's exclusive Luxury Soft loo rolls now sport the NHS logo on their wrapping. In a bid to ramp up bowel cancer awareness, the partnership between NHS and Britain's leading grocer aims to tap into the regular shopping habits of consumers. Echoing across social media platform X, the NHS broadcasted: "Keep an eye out for our logo on @Tesco toilet roll-78.9 million rolls sold and counting!" The move acts as a timely nudge for shoppers to stay vigilant for early signs of cancer during their bathroom routine. READ MORE: 'I'm a fashion editor and found an unlikely retailer selling glitzy festival-ready outfits' The NHS is highlighting: "It's a reminder for people to look out for possible signs of cancer when going to the loo. Know what's normal for you and contact your GP practice if something doesn't feel right." On each pack, just below the NHS logo, is a critical message which reads: "Finding cancer earlier makes it more treatable and can save lives." On this unique packaging, customers will find a checklist of cancer indicators that might be detected in the loo, including changes in bowel movements or blood traces, reports the Express. For an exhaustive list of cancer symptoms, individuals are encouraged to navigate to Signs of bowel cancer include: changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you needing to poo more or less often than usual for you blood in your poo, which may look red or black bleeding from your bottom often feeling like you need to poo, even if you've just been to the toilet tummy pain a lump in your tummy bloating losing weight without trying feeling very tired or short of breath – these are signs of anaemia, which can be caused by bowel cancer Should anyone experience symptoms of bowel cancer for more than three weeks, it's imperative to consult a doctor. The NHS offers comfort, stating: "Try not to be embarrassed. The doctor or nurse will be used to talking about these symptoms." If you observe that your stools are black or dark red, or if you're suffering from bloody diarrhoea, it's essential to arrange an urgent GP appointment or seek help from NHS 111. Assistance can be accessed by dialling 111 or using the online service at Cancer manifests in over 200 different varieties and can impact any part of the body, including organs, blood, bone marrow, and the immune system. In some cases, cancer may spread from its original location to other areas of the body, a process referred to as secondary cancer or metastasis. The specific type of cancer dictates the treatment approach. Standard treatments for cancer include surgical removal of the tumour, chemotherapy with drugs designed to eradicate cancer cells, and radiotherapy which employs radiation to target and eliminate cancer cells. Additional treatment methods might encompass immunotherapy, enhancing the immune system's ability to combat cancer, and hormone therapy, aimed at decelerating or stopping the proliferation of cancerous cells. The NHS reassures patients: "You'll be looked after by a team of specialists who will work with you to create a treatment plan that is best for you."
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
More testing needed for genetic cancer risk as too many women ‘missed', experts say
A new study has revealed that families of some cancer patients are being denied the opportunity to learn about their potential cancer risk due to inconsistencies in genetic testing. Academics have warned that the absence of adequate testing for Lynch syndrome is leaving some cancer patients unaware of their risk of developing other cancers. Lynch syndrome, a rare hereditary condition, elevates the risk of cancers of the bowel, womb, and ovaries. It arises from a gene mutation affecting DNA error correction during replication, potentially leading to uncontrolled cell growth. NHS guidelines stipulate that patients with bowel or womb cancer should undergo tumour assessments for Lynch syndrome markers. The identification of these markers should prompt a referral for genetic testing, confirming the diagnosis and enabling access to support and guidance regarding cancer risks for both the patients and their families. A new study by academics at the University of Edinburgh found not all womb cancer patients are being sent for genetic testing. Researchers examined data on 2,500 womb cancer patients across the UK and Ireland between 2022 and 2023. They found that 91 per cent of tumours were tested for markers of Lynch syndrome, but the test results were not routinely communicated to the wider clinical team. This means that follow-up genetic counselling and blood tests were not always arranged. Of the 181 participants eligible for genetic counselling, just under two-thirds (64 per cent) were referred for appointments, according to the study, which has been published in the journal BMJ Oncology. Researchers said those who were referred faced long waits, resulting in high dropout rates, meaning only 48 per cent of those eligible went on to get the test. Experts from the university said gaps in testing mean some womb cancer patients with Lynch syndrome go undetected. Family members are also left vulnerable to cancer risk, unaware they may have the condition. Dr Neil Ryan, from the University of Edinburgh, who leads the UK audit and research collaborative in obstetrics and gynaecology, said: 'Despite clear guidance and excellent rates of tumour testing, too many women with Lynch syndrome are still being missed because they're not referred for definitive blood testing in a timely way. 'This not only denies them the chance to reduce their future cancer risk but also prevents their relatives from being tested and protected. 'Tumour testing is only cost-effective if it leads to diagnosis — we urgently need to make mainstream testing truly mainstream.'
Powys County Times
2 hours ago
- Powys County Times
Women with genetic cancer risk being ‘missed' due to testing gaps
Families of some cancer patients are being denied the chance to find out about their cancer risk due to gaps in genetic testing, a new study has suggested. A lack of testing for Lynch syndrome also means some cancer patients are unaware of their risk of developing other cancers, academics said. Lynch syndrome is a rare condition which runs in families which puts people at a higher risk of developing cancers of the bowel, womb and ovaries. It is caused by a mutation in the gene that fixes mistakes in DNA when it is copied, which can lead to uncontrolled cell growth. Patients with bowel or womb cancer should have their tumours assessed for markers of Lynch syndrome, according to guidance for the NHS. If these markers are identified, patients should be referred for genetic testing so the diagnosis can be confirmed and they can get support and advice about cancer risk for themselves and their family. A new study by academics at the University of Edinburgh found not all womb cancer patients are being sent for genetic testing. Researchers examined data on 2,500 womb cancer patients across the UK and Ireland between 2022 and 2023. We have launched a Guide to #LynchSyndrome to help provide information and support to anyone who thinks they may have it, that it may run in the family, or have found out they have it. — The Eve Appeal (@eveappeal) February 13, 2023 They found that 91% of tumours were tested for markers of Lynch syndrome, but the test results were not routinely communicated to the wider clinical team. This means that follow-up genetic counselling and blood tests were not always arranged. Of the 181 participants eligible for genetic counselling, just under two-thirds (64%) were referred for appointments, according to the study, which has been published in the journal BMJ Oncology. Researchers said those who were referred faced long waits, resulting in high dropout rates, meaning only 48% of those eligible went on to get the test. Today's #LynchSyndromeAwarenessDay. Our policy team sat down with our supporter, Jane, to share her experience. As well as highlighting what else needs to be done to improve Lynch syndrome care. Read our blog: — Bowel Cancer UK (@bowelcanceruk) March 22, 2025 Experts from the university said gaps in testing mean some womb cancer patients with Lynch syndrome go undetected. Family members are also left vulnerable to cancer risk, unaware they may have the condition. Dr Neil Ryan, from the University of Edinburgh, who leads the UK audit and research collaborative in obstetrics and gynaecology, said: 'Despite clear guidance and excellent rates of tumour testing, too many women with Lynch syndrome are still being missed because they're not referred for definitive blood testing in a timely way. 'This not only denies them the chance to reduce their future cancer risk but also prevents their relatives from being tested and protected.
