Dementia risk warning issued to people with high blood pressure
New research says untreated high blood pressure can significantly increase the risk of dementia. The study, conducted by Australian researchers, analysed data from over 30,000 individuals across 14 different countries to gain a deeper understanding of the link between cognitive health and hypertension.
Their study published in Neurology found that neglecting blood pressure issues increased the individual risk of non-Alzheimer's dementia by a 68% and Alzheimer's by 36% among those aged over 60. In response to these findings, lead author Dr Matthew Lennon, based at Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital, suggested to The Medical Republic that blood pressure medication could play a crucial role in future dementia prevention treatments.
"Whereas GPs and physicians may have an instinct to deprescribe medications for chronic illnesses as patients progress through late life, our study indicates that there may be ongoing benefits for cognition and dementia risk even in the very elderly," he told the publication. "For those older people who look to have a happy, healthy, flourishing life it’s really important to regularly check and work to control your blood pressure," he told the publication."
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It's easy to confuse dementia and Alzheimer's but there is a distinct difference between them. Dementia is the umbrella term used to describe a number of different brain conditions including, Huntington's, vascular and Lewy body dementia.
Alzheimer's is another condition encompassed within this broader term, referring to the most common type of dementia, marked by progressive symptoms that affect the brain's capability to learn, remember and reason. The Neurology study's results also come just months after the University of Oxford found that type two diabetes - a condition often worsened by obesity - may also worsen the onset of dementia in addition to smoking, drinking beer and poor sleep.
Dr Lennon also said: "Our meta-analysis that included people from around the world found that taking blood pressure medications was associated with decreased risk of Alzheimer’s disease throughout later life. These results suggest that treating high blood pressure as a person ages continues to be a crucial factor in reducing their risk of Alzheimer's disease."
High blood pressure can be affected by various factors such as age, ethnicity and diet - particularly a high salt intake. While it often doesn't present any symptoms, there are some signs to watch out for according to the NHS, including headaches, blurred vision and chest pain, which may feel like uncomfortable pressure in the left side or centre of your chest.
However, the only definitive way to diagnose high blood pressure is through medical examinations. If you have any concerns, it's vital to consult with a GP or call 111 for advice.
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