A team of researchers from Beijing Anzhen Hospital and other institutions conducted a study on the relationship between blood pressure control and brain health. They discovered that maintaining stable blood pressure levels over a long period significantly lowers the risk of developing dementia.
Dementia is a condition that affects memory, thinking, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. The researchers found that keeping systolic blood pressure (the upper number in a blood pressure reading) consistently under control is crucial for both heart and brain health.
Nearly half of adults in the United States have high blood pressure, but only about 20% manage to keep it under control. Blood pressure control can be achieved through regular exercise, healthy eating, and medication if necessary.
Previous studies have shown that uncontrolled high blood pressure increases the risk of dementia and cognitive decline. Blood pressure can fluctuate daily, making it challenging to determine if it is consistently under control.
In this study, the researchers examined the link between the duration of time blood pressure stays within the target range and the risk of cognitive decline or dementia. They analyzed data from the SPRINT study, which investigated different blood pressure treatments in people with hypertension.
The findings revealed that individuals whose systolic blood pressure levels remained in the target range for longer periods were less likely to be diagnosed with probable dementia. Specifically, each 31.5% increase in the time blood pressure stayed in the target range was associated with a 16% lower risk of dementia.
These results highlight the importance of long-term blood pressure control for brain health. By monitoring how long blood pressure remains in the target range, healthcare providers can identify patients at higher risk of dementia and take steps to help them maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
Controlling blood pressure is just one aspect of maintaining good heart and brain health. Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and staying socially active are also important for reducing the risk of dementia.
Here are some tips to help reduce your risk of dementia:
- Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week to improve blood flow to the brain.
- Eat a healthy diet: Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your diet.
- Stay socially active: Engage in social activities to keep your brain engaged and reduce the risk of dementia.
- Manage chronic health conditions: Regular check-ups, medication, and lifestyle changes can help manage high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, reducing dementia risk.
- Challenge your brain: Activities like reading, puzzles, or learning new skills can help keep your brain active.
- Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night to support overall brain health.
By following these steps, you can help reduce your risk of dementia and maintain a healthy brain. This study underscores the critical role of blood pressure management in preserving cognitive health and provides valuable insights for both patients and healthcare providers.
If you care about dementia, please read studies that eating apples and tea could keep dementia at bay, and Olive oil: a daily dose for better brain health.
For more health information, please see recent studies what you eat together may affect your dementia risk, and time-restricted eating: a simple way to fight aging and cancer.
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