A groundbreaking study has revealed that an intensive four-year intervention to lower blood pressure significantly reduces the risk of developing dementia in adults with high blood pressure.
This promising research was presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2023, highlighting the importance of managing blood pressure as a preventive measure against dementia.
The conference, held in Philadelphia from Nov. 11–13, is a global platform for sharing the latest scientific advancements in cardiovascular science and evidence-based clinical practices.
Dementia is a growing public health concern, and finding ways to prevent it has become a top priority.
High blood pressure is a known risk factor for dementia, and previous studies have shown that untreated hypertension can increase dementia risk by 42%.
However, individuals with treated hypertension did not have a significant increase in dementia risk compared to healthy adults.
This study aimed to investigate the impact of intensive blood pressure control on dementia risk among individuals with high blood pressure.
Research Study Details
The research was conducted in 326 rural villages in China and involved approximately 34,000 adults aged 40 and older.
Participants had untreated blood pressure readings of 140/90 mm Hg or higher or 130/80 mm Hg or higher for individuals at high risk of cardiovascular disease or those already on blood pressure medication.
The study divided the villages into two groups: one received an intensive blood pressure intervention led by village doctors, and the other received usual care.
In the intervention group, trained village doctors initiated and adjusted antihypertensive medications based on a treatment protocol with the goal of achieving systolic blood pressure below 130 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure below 80 mm Hg.
The intervention also included discounted/free medications, lifestyle coaching, and monitoring of blood pressure at home.
Study Findings
After four years, cognitive function assessments were conducted by certified neurologists who were unaware of the group assignments.
The results showed that the intervention group achieved significant improvements in blood pressure control and a reduced risk of dementia and cognitive impairment compared to the usual care group. Key findings include:
The average blood pressure in the intervention group at 48 months was 128/73 mm Hg, significantly lower than the 148/81 mm Hg in the usual care group.
Systolic blood pressure decreased by an average of 22 mm Hg, and diastolic blood pressure decreased by 9 mm Hg in the intervention group compared to usual care.
Participants in the intervention group had a 15% lower risk of dementia and a 16% lower risk of memory impairment compared to the usual care group.
The intervention group experienced fewer serious adverse events, such as hospitalizations and deaths from all causes.
Conclusion
This groundbreaking study provides compelling evidence that intensive blood pressure control can effectively reduce the risk of dementia among individuals with high blood pressure.
These findings underscore the importance of widespread adoption of more intensive blood pressure management to alleviate the global burden of dementia.
While this study focused on high blood pressure and dementia, future research may explore whether lowering blood pressure can also benefit individuals at high risk of dementia who do not have high blood pressure.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about Scientists find a simple solution to fight dementia and the findings of Big causes of memory loss, dementia you need to know.
For more information about dementia, please see recent studies about Boost your brainpower: The MIND Diet for dementia prevention and results showing that Eating apples and tea could keep dementia at bay, study suggests.
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