A recent study from researchers at Beijing Anzhen Hospital and other institutions has found that keeping blood pressure under control for a longer period of time can help protect brain health and lower the risk of dementia.
Dementia is a condition that affects memory, thinking, and daily activities. It becomes more common as people age, and high blood pressure is one of the risk factors that can contribute to cognitive decline.
While previous studies have shown that uncontrolled high blood pressure can increase the risk of dementia, this study focused on how consistentlymaintaining healthy blood pressure levels over time affects brain health.
The researchers analyzed data from the SPRINT study, which looked at different treatments for people with high blood pressure. They specifically examined how long participants’ systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) stayed within the target range and how this related to their chances of developing dementia.
The results showed that the longer a person’s blood pressure remained in the healthy range, the lower their risk of dementia. For every 31.5% increase in the time spent within the target blood pressure range, the risk of dementia dropped by 16%. This suggests that maintaining stable, controlled blood pressure over time is crucial for brain health.
However, blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day and over months or years, making it challenging to determine whether a person’s blood pressure is truly well-managed. This study highlights the importance of long-term blood pressure control rather than just occasional good readings.
Currently, nearly half of adults in the United States have high blood pressure, but only about one in five have it under control. Managing blood pressure involves a combination of regular exercise, a healthy diet, and medication if needed.
By closely monitoring blood pressure and ensuring it stays within the target range for as long as possible, healthcare providers may be able to help reduce the risk of dementia in patients with hypertension.
How to Reduce the Risk of Dementia
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent dementia, several lifestyle habits can help lower the risk:
- Exercise regularly: Physical activity improves blood flow to the brain and helps reduce dementia risk. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
- Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats supports brain health.
- Stay socially active: Regular social interactions help keep the brain engaged and may lower dementia risk.
- Manage chronic health conditions: Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol increase dementia risk. Regular check-ups, medication, and lifestyle changes can help keep these conditions under control.
- Challenge your brain: Activities such as reading, puzzles, and learning new skills stimulate the brain and may reduce dementia risk.
- Get enough sleep: Sleep is essential for brain function. Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep each night.
By taking these steps, people can improve their heart and brain health and reduce their chances of developing dementia.
This study provides valuable insight into how blood pressure management affects brain health and suggests that consistent, long-term control is key to reducing dementia risk.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about Vitamin B9 deficiency linked to higher dementia risk, and flavonoid-rich foods could help prevent dementia.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that cranberries could help boost memory, and how alcohol, coffee and tea intake influence cognitive decline.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
