Hypertension Medications and Lifestyle Changes May Lower Dementia Risk

Keeping high blood pressure under control through medication and lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia. A recent large-scale study indicates that effective blood pressure management not only improves cardiovascular health but also plays a crucial role in cognitive health.

Key Findings:

• Over 1.28 billion people worldwide have hypertension, increasing risks for heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, vision loss, and dementia.
• Treating hypertension with medications and lifestyle coaching lowers the risk of all-cause dementia and cognitive impairment.
• Participants in an intervention program showed better blood pressure control, with notable reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure over 48 months.
• The intervention group experienced a 15% reduction in dementia risk and a 16% reduction in cognitive impairment.

Study Details:

This research, part of the China Rural Hypertension Control Project, involved over 33,000 adults in rural China. Participants were randomized into intervention and control groups. The intervention included antihypertensive medications and guidance on reducing sodium intake, losing weight, and moderating alcohol consumption. The control group received standard blood pressure management.

Outcomes:

The intervention group achieved greater blood pressure control, with 68% reaching below 130/80 mmHg, compared to 15% in the usual care group. Serious adverse events were also significantly lower among those receiving targeted interventions.

Expert Insights:

Dr. Cheng-Han Chen recommends a healthy diet, regular exercise, quality sleep, weight management, stress reduction, and, if necessary, medications to keep blood pressure in check. Maintaining optimal blood pressure levels not only prevents cardiovascular problems but also reduces dementia risk, addressing a critical public health challenge.

In conclusion, active management of hypertension through medications and lifestyle changes is a promising strategy for safeguarding cognitive health and reducing the global burden of dementia.

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References:

• World Health Organization: Hypertension
• Nature Medicine Study
• Medical News Today: Hypertension and Dementia