Dementia risk linked to blood pressure in new study

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a well-known risk factor for heart attack and stroke. However, a recent study has shed light on its surprising connection to brain health. Researchers from the First Hospital of China Medical University conducted a large randomized trial involving 33,995 individuals in rural China with uncontrolled hypertension. The study revealed that intensive blood pressure control led to a 15% reduction in dementia risk and a 16% decrease in cognitive impairment among participants.

The participants were divided into two groups: one receiving usual care and the other assigned to trained non-physician community healthcare providers who prescribed titrated antihypertensive medications. The goal was to achieve a systolic blood pressure of less than 130 mm Hg and a diastolic blood pressure of less than 80 mm Hg. The intervention group showed a significantly lower incidence of all-cause dementia compared to the usual care group.

Dr. Bradley Serwer, an interventional cardiologist, noted that this study presents an intriguing approach to addressing dementia in individuals with uncontrolled hypertension. The primary medications used to lower blood pressure were calcium channel blockers and angiotensin receptor blockers, which have been associated with a reduced risk of dementia independent of blood pressure reduction.

While the study had some limitations, including the absence of baseline and follow-up cognitive assessments, it highlights the importance of addressing cardiovascular risk factors in preventing dementia. By focusing on factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, and sedentary lifestyles, individuals can not only lower their risk of heart attacks and strokes but also improve their overall quality of life.

The study was supported by various organizations in China, including the National Key Research and Development Program of the Ministry of Science and Technology. The findings underscore the need for further research to confirm the link between blood pressure control and dementia prevention. For more health-related articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.

Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers for comment on the study’s implications for future research and clinical practice. Melissa Rudy, senior health editor and member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital, can be contacted at melissa.rudy@fox.com.