Scientists at the University of Miami have made an important discovery about how blood pressure affects the brain, especially when it comes to memory, strokes, and balance as we age. Their findings suggest that keeping blood pressure under control could be a key way to protect brain function and prevent serious health problems.
Blood pressure is like water flowing through a hose. It is measured using two numbers. The first number, systolic pressure, is the force of blood when the heart beats.
The second number, diastolic pressure, is the force when the heart rests between beats. Doctors often focus on the first number, but this study shows that the second number is just as important for brain health.
The researchers focused on white matter lesions, which are small scars in the brain. These scars can make it harder for different parts of the brain to communicate.
When messages in the brain slow down or get lost, it can cause problems with memory, movement, and balance. These scars are more common as people age and are linked to conditions like dementia and strokes.
To understand this better, the scientists studied over 1,200 people aged 50 and older. They found that people with lower diastolic blood pressure (below 80) had fewer white matter scars than those with higher diastolic pressure (above 90). This was unexpected because many experts believed that only high systolic pressure was a major risk for brain problems.
The study also showed that different parts of the brain were affected differently. People with lower diastolic blood pressure had healthier brain tissue in certain areas, while those with higher pressure had more scars.
This matters because the brain works like a network of highways, where messages travel constantly. If the pathways are damaged, like roads full of potholes, information slows down or gets lost, leading to thinking problems, slower movement, and a higher risk of falls.
White matter lesions become more common with age. By 60, about 20% of people have them, and the numbers increase from there. The good news is that this study suggests that keeping an eye on diastolic blood pressure could help reduce these scars and protect brain function.
Lead researcher Michelle R. Caunca and her team have highlighted an important connection between blood pressure and brain health. Their findings show that managing blood pressure isn’t just about preventing heart disease—it’s also crucial for keeping the brain sharp and the body steady.
Regular blood pressure checks and working with doctors to maintain a healthy range could help prevent memory loss, strokes, and falls. This research suggests that something as simple as keeping blood pressure in check could lead to a longer, healthier life with a well-functioning brain.
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