Latest news with #MasudHusain
Daily Record
10-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Three ways to reduce risk of dementia including one to help you sleep better
Dementia is a life-changing condition - but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing it, including changes to your lifestyle and improving your general health Dementia is a life-altering condition, not only for those diagnosed but also for their loved ones. While it's challenging to prevent entirely, there are measures you can take to lower your risk. Symptoms such as memory loss, behavioural shifts, and struggles with everyday tasks can have a profound impact on individuals and their families. However, research indicates that nearly half of all dementia cases could be prevented through lifestyle changes - although unchangeable risk factors like age and genetics remain. According to Alzheimer's. gov, adopting a healthier lifestyle could significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia. They suggest three key behavioural changes that can be implemented immediately, reports Surrey Live. 1. Physical activity Regular physical activity is one of the top recommendations for maintaining brain health. This doesn't necessarily mean hitting the gym; incorporating any form of physical activity into your daily routine can make a difference. Even a brief walk is preferable to spending the entire day lounging. 2. Stay mentally active Keeping your brain engaged is another way to maintain its health. Activities such as reading, playing board games, crafting, learning new skills or hobbies, working or volunteering, and staying socially connected are all recommended by Alzheimer' 3. Sleep well Adequate rest is vital. Ensuring you get six to eight hours of sleep each night is crucial for optimal brain health. Alzheimer's. gov advises: "Talk with your doctor if you are not getting enough sleep, sleeping poorly, or think you may have a sleep disorder,". In addition to good sleep hygiene, other measures to reduce dementia risk include a healthy diet and steps to lower blood pressure. A recent study suggests that reducing blood pressure can decrease the likelihood of developing dementia by 15 per cent, and could also slow mental decline. A groundbreaking clinical trial from the University of Texas analysed the lifestyles of 34,000 Chinese individuals with high blood pressure, investigating the effects of lifestyle coaching and medication on their blood pressure levels. The trial divided patients into two groups: one received standard medical care, including advice on managing blood pressure and regular check-ups; the other was given medication, lifestyle coaching, and instructions to cut down on alcohol and salt. The latter group, having reduced their alcohol and salt intake, saw improved blood pressure levels. The study, published in Nature Medicine, found that the second group was also less likely to develop dementia over a four-year period. Prof Masud Husain, a neurologist at Oxford University who was not involved in the research, told The Mirror: "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." The Alzheimer's Society estimates that nearly 982,000 people in the UK are currently living with dementia. This figure is projected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040.
Daily Record
23-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Axing two foods found to lower dementia risk in 'landmark' study
A ground-breaking study into dementia has discovered that cutting two things from your diet can help reduce your blood pressure levels and reduce your risk of developing the condition. Lowering your blood pressure reduces your chances of developing dementia by 15 per cent. The University of Texas examined how lifestyle coaching and medication impacted the blood pressure of 34,000 Chinese people who previously had high blood pressure. Half of the participants were given standard medical care from doctors, including advice on blood pressure management and regular checks. But the second half of those studied were given medication, lifestyle coaching, and told to reduce their alcohol and salt intake. The group that reduced these two things saw improved blood pressure levels, reported Surrey Live. The study, published in Nature Medicine, found that the second group were also less likely to develop dementia over a four-year period. Prof Masud Husain, neurologist at Oxford University, who was not involved in the research, told The Mirror: '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.' He added: '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 pressure, they might not appreciate what a risk it poses for developing dementia.' According to the Scottish Government, around 90,000 people in the country are thought to be living with dementia currently. The NHS says high blood pressure along with the likes of poor diet, smoking, and too much alcohol can increase the risk of developing dementia. The NHS explains that making healthy lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking and exercising more regularly can help reduce your chances of developing the condition. It can also slow down the progression of vascular dementia once diagnosed. Although the NHS says there are some factors that increase dementia risk that can't be changed. These include age, family history , ethnicity and, in some cases, genetic conditions. The NHS says there are different types of dementia that can affect people in different ways, and everyone will experience symptoms in their own way. But there are some common early symptoms that can appear some time before someone receives a diagnosis. These include: Symptoms can often start out as mild and get worse gradually. It is often described as "mild cognitive impairment" (MCI) as the symptoms are not severe enough to be diagnosed as dementia. The NHS warns that dementia is not a natural part of the ageing process. Instead, it is important to talk to a GP sooner rather than later if you suspect you or a family member may show signs of dementia.
Irish Daily Star
23-04-2025
- Health
- Irish Daily Star
New study reveals blood pressure meds could protect your brain from dementia
A revolutionary study has shown that 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." Read More Related Articles White House branded 'narcissistic' after brief 5-word tribute to Pope Read More Related Articles Donald Trump branded 'dumbest President ever' after six-word comment about Congo 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.
Business Mayor
21-04-2025
- Health
- Business Mayor
Landmark study reveals controlling high blood pressure slashes risk of dementia
Blood pressure's impact on brain health laid bare (Image: Getty Images) Blood pressure drugs cut the risk of mental decline and dementia, a landmark study has shown. A huge four-year clinical trial has shown effectively lowering blood pressure to 130/80mmHg reduces the risk of developing dementia by 15%. The University of Texas study of 34,000 Chinese people looked at the impact of medication and lifestyle coaching on people with high blood pressure. Those provided this also slashed their risk of cognitive impairment – defined as difficulties with thinking, memory, language and problem-solving – by 16%. Prof Masud Husain, neurologist at Oxford University, who was not involved in the research, said: '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.' Over 14 million Brits have high blood pressure and in over four million people aged under 65 it is untreated (stock image) (Image: Getty Images) Prof James Leiper, research director at the British Heart Foundation, said if similar effects shown in the Chinese trial were found in other populations 'wider use of high blood pressure treatment in people with the condition could be recommended to fight the growing impact of dementia'. The new clinical trial enrolled 33,995 patients with untreated high blood pressure aged over 40 in rural China and saw half given 'standard care' by village doctors. This consisted of advice on blood pressure management and regularly having their levels checked. The other half of participants were also given medicines to lower their blood pressure as well as lifestyle coaching including for weight loss as well as salt and alcohol reduction. Read More Covid Inquiry: Abuse of experts must stop, says Whitty The findings, published in the journal Nature Medicine, showed that the second group achieved better blood pressure control, with more patients reaching target levels, and were 15% less likely to be diagnosed with dementia over the four-year trial. Almost a million people in the UK are living with dementia (stock image) (Image: Getty Images/Westend61) Prof Husain added: '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 pressure, they might not appreciate what a risk it poses for developing dementia.' Prof Sir Mark Caulfield, at 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 prevalence of total hypertension increased with age from 9% of UK adults aged 16 to 44 to 60% of people over 65. 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.' The NHS says normal blood pressure is considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) Previous studies have shown that people with untreated high blood pressure have a 42% greater risk of developing dementia in their lifetime. This latest trial tested the effect of medications that reduce blood pressure on this dementia risk. Read More Air pollution may increase risk for dementia Prof Toby Richards, of the University of East London, said: '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.' Almost one in three adults in the UK has high blood pressure. The diet and lifestyle coaching in the study was delivered by traditional community health leaders who did not have formal training as doctors. Some experts have questioned whether the NHS has the resources to deliver such a tailored approach to the millions with hypertension in Britain. Prof Ian Maidment, of Aston University, said: '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 programme.' High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can lead to serious health problems including heart attack or stroke. High blood pressure is defined as a systolic blood pressure (SBP) at or above 140mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at or above 90mmHg. The American Heart Foundation explains that systolic blood pressure is the first number and refers to the pressure your blood is pushing against your artery walls when the heart beats. Diastolic blood pressure is the second number and measures the pressure your blood is pushing against your artery walls while the heart muscle rests between beats. A higher systolic or diastolic reading may be used to diagnose high blood pressure. But the systolic blood pressure tells more about risk factors for heart disease for people over 50. The NHS says normal blood pressure is considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg. High blood pressure is considered to be 135/85 or higher if your reading was taken at home, or 140/90mmHg or higher if your reading was taken at a pharmacy, GP surgery or clinic. If your reading is between 120/80mmHg and 140/90mmHg, you may be at risk of developing high blood pressure in the future. Contact your GP with any concerns. Call 999 if your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 and you are having chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, change in vision or difficulty speaking. Experts say the best ways to manage high blood pressure are regular physical activity, maintain a healthy weight, manage stress, get enough sleep and cut down on salt and alcohol.
Daily Mirror
21-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Landmark study reveals controlling high blood pressure slashes risk of dementia
Experts hail findings as a 'wake-up call' to seize on the vital treatment in the more than 14 million Brits with hypertension who are at greater dementia risk Blood pressure drugs cut the risk of mental decline and dementia, a landmark study has shown. A huge four-year clinical trial has shown effectively lowering blood pressure to 130/80mmHg reduces the risk of developing dementia by 15%. The University of Texas study of 34,000 Chinese people looked at the impact of medication and lifestyle coaching on people with high blood pressure. Those provided this also slashed their risk of cognitive impairment - defined as difficulties with thinking, memory, language and problem-solving - by 16%. Prof Masud Husain, neurologist at Oxford University, who was not involved in the research, said: '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.' Prof James Leiper, research director at the British Heart Foundation, said if similar effects shown in the Chinese trial were found in other populations 'wider use of high blood pressure treatment in people with the condition could be recommended to fight the growing impact of dementia'. The new clinical trial enrolled 33,995 patients with untreated high blood pressure aged over 40 in rural China and saw half given 'standard care' by village doctors. This consisted of advice on blood pressure management and regularly having their levels checked. The other half of participants were also given medicines to lower their blood pressure as well as lifestyle coaching including for weight loss as well as salt and alcohol reduction. The findings, published in the journal Nature Medicine, showed that the second group achieved better blood pressure control, with more patients reaching target levels, and were 15% less likely to be diagnosed with dementia over the four-year trial. Prof Husain added: '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 pressure, they might not appreciate what a risk it poses for developing dementia.' Prof Sir Mark Caulfield, at 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 prevalence of total hypertension increased with age from 9% of UK adults aged 16 to 44 to 60% of people over 65. 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.' Previous studies have shown that people with untreated high blood pressure have a 42% greater risk of developing dementia in their lifetime. This latest trial tested the effect of medications that reduce blood pressure on this dementia risk. Prof Toby Richards, of the University of East London, said: '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.' Almost one in three adults in the UK has high blood pressure. The diet and lifestyle coaching in the study was delivered by traditional community health leaders who did not have formal training as doctors. Some experts have questioned whether the NHS has the resources to deliver such a tailored approach to the millions with hypertension in Britain. Prof Ian Maidment, of Aston University, said: '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 programme.' Blood Pressure Measurements Explained High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can lead to serious health problems including heart attack or stroke. High blood pressure is defined as a systolic blood pressure (SBP) at or above 140mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at or above 90mmHg. The American Heart Foundation explains that systolic blood pressure is the first number and refers to the pressure your blood is pushing against your artery walls when the heart beats. Diastolic blood pressure is the second number and measures the pressure your blood is pushing against your artery walls while the heart muscle rests between beats. A higher systolic or diastolic reading may be used to diagnose high blood pressure. But the systolic blood pressure tells more about risk factors for heart disease for people over 50. The NHS says normal blood pressure is considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg. High blood pressure is considered to be 135/85 or higher if your reading was taken at home, or 140/90mmHg or higher if your reading was taken at a pharmacy, GP surgery or clinic. If your reading is between 120/80mmHg and 140/90mmHg, you may be at risk of developing high blood pressure in the future. Contact your GP with any concerns. Call 999 if your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 and you are having chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, change in vision or difficulty speaking. Experts say the best ways to manage high blood pressure are regular physical activity, maintain a healthy weight, manage stress, get enough sleep and cut down on salt and alcohol.
