Dallas, Texas – People who receive intensive help for their high blood pressure, including medication and coaching, may have a lower risk of developing dementia, researchers discovered. The World Health Organization reported that an estimated 57 million individuals worldwide were living with dementia in 2021. Despite this high number, experts have emphasized that dementia is not an inevitable result of aging. Studies have shown that addressing various risk factors, such as hearing impairment, smoking, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, social isolation, and high blood pressure, could potentially prevent or delay about half of dementia cases.
In a study published in the journal Nature Medicine, researchers from China and the United States detailed a trial involving 33,995 participants aged 40 years and older with uncontrolled high blood pressure in rural Chinese villages. The group randomly selected 163 villages to receive intensive blood pressure management, which included tailored medication doses, health coaching, lifestyle modifications, and at-home blood pressure monitoring. The remaining 163 villages received usual care, with participants managing their blood pressure in their typical clinical settings without the additional support provided to the first group.
After a four-year follow-up, the researchers found that participants in the intensive blood pressure management group had a 15% lower risk of dementia compared to those receiving usual care. Furthermore, the intensive management group also had a 16% lower risk of cognitive impairment without dementia. While it is noted that cognitive function was not assessed at the beginning of the study, the researchers believe the findings are reliable due to the similarity of participants in both groups.
Prof. Joanna Wardlaw from the University of Edinburgh, not involved in the study, pointed out that the reduction in dementia risk could be attributed to both optimal blood pressure control and lifestyle changes. This combined effect highlights the importance of managing cardiovascular risks in protecting brain health as individuals age. However, it is crucial to recognize that even with treatment for high blood pressure, some individuals may still develop dementia.
Moving forward, researchers suggest conducting similar studies with longer follow-up periods to better understand the long-term effects. They also recommend implementing the approach in various countries to assess its effectiveness in different populations. Prof. Tara Spires-Jones from the University of Edinburgh emphasized the significance of managing blood pressure and other cardiovascular risks in order to safeguard brain health. While treating high blood pressure shows promise in reducing dementia risk, it is not a foolproof guarantee against the disease.