For years, scientists have struggled to find the cause of Alzheimer’s and dementia. As it turns out, the answer might be elusive because there isn’t just one cause. Indeed, each week seems to bring a new headline with a new causal link.
English: blood pressure measurement Deutsch: :deBlutdruckmessung (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Earlier this month, we told you about the beneficial relationship between mental exercise and dementia prevention. Other studies have found links between Alzheimer’s and physical exercise, social engagement, sugar intake, diabetes, inflammation, heredity, and specific genes.
Now, UK’s Mirror reports blood pressure is believed to play a role too.
Researchers overseas followed nearly 400 patients as they aged into their 80s, monitoring their brain function along the way. They then took those results and compared them to those same patients’ heart health tests from 30 years prior.
The result? A clear correlation between high blood pressure in midlife and impaired cognitive function in old age. Both memory and concentration appeared to have been affected by high blood pressure.
“Perhaps managing factors that impact brain ageing, such as blood pressure, will help increase brain health and reduce the risk for dementia,” study author Rhoda Au told Mirror.
The study adds additional weight to lessons we’ve already learned — namely, that maintaining normal blood pressure is critical for long-term whole-body health, and that Alzheimer’s prevention is most effective when it begins earlier in life.
For aging Americans, that means that it’s more important than ever to reduce high blood pressure as quickly as possible.
Alzheimer’s is a cruel and expensive disease, and options for treatment after diagnosis are limited. Prevention is key. If blood pressure management can play a role in that, then it’s something we should take seriously. That might mean taking steps now to make sure you can afford your doctor’s visits, medications, and a healthy lifestyle. That’s something we can help with. Give us a call.
