A new study led by researchers from Beijing Anzhen Hospital suggests that keeping blood pressure under control for a longer period of time can help lower the risk of dementia. The study found that people whose blood pressure stayed within a healthy range for a longer duration were less likely to develop cognitive decline or dementia.
Dementia is a condition that affects memory, thinking, and daily activities. It becomes more common with age and is linked to factors like poor blood circulation and high blood pressure. Nearly half of adults in the United States have high blood pressure, but only about 1 in 5 manage to keep it under control.
High blood pressure, if left unchecked, can damage blood vessels in the brain, increasing the risk of dementia. While past research has shown that uncontrolled blood pressure raises the risk, this new study focused on how long a person’s blood pressure remains in the target range and its effect on brain health.
What the Study Found
The researchers analyzed data from the SPRINT study, which examined how different blood pressure treatments affected people with hypertension (high blood pressure).
Their findings showed that people whose systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) stayed in the healthy range for longer had a lower chance of being diagnosed with dementia.
For every 31.5% increase in the time spent in the target blood pressure range, the risk of dementia dropped by 16%. This means that the longer someone keeps their blood pressure stable, the better it is for their brain health.
How to Keep Blood Pressure Under Control
The study highlights the importance of long-term blood pressure management to protect both the heart and brain. There are several ways to maintain healthy blood pressure:
- Regular Exercise: Staying active helps improve blood circulation and keeps blood pressure in check. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
- Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help control blood pressure and support brain health.
- Medication if Needed: Some people may need medication to manage their blood pressure. It’s important to follow a doctor’s recommendations and monitor blood pressure regularly.
- Reducing Stress: Chronic stress can raise blood pressure, so relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can be helpful.
- Limiting Alcohol and Salt Intake: Reducing salt in the diet and drinking alcohol in moderation can contribute to better blood pressure control.
Other Ways to Lower Dementia Risk
While managing blood pressure is important, there are other steps people can take to keep their brains healthy and lower their risk of dementia:
- Stay Socially Active: Interacting with family and friends can help keep the brain engaged and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
- Challenge the Brain: Activities like reading, solving puzzles, or learning new skills help keep the brain sharp.
- Get Enough Sleep: Poor sleep can affect brain health, so it’s essential to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
- Manage Chronic Conditions: Health issues like diabetes and high cholesterol can increase dementia risk, so managing these conditions with regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle is important.
The Takeaway
This study provides new evidence that long-term control of blood pressure can have a significant impact on brain health. Doctors may use this information to help identify patients at higher risk of dementia and encourage them to take steps to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent dementia, keeping blood pressure stable, staying physically and socially active, and following a brain-healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk and support overall well-being.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about unhealthy habits that could increase high blood pressure risk, and people with severe high blood pressure should reduce coffee intake.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and results showing plant-based foods could benefit people with high blood pressure.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
