People treated for their high blood pressure (hypertension) have a lower risk of developing dementia, according to a study which highlights the importance of regular screening.
- Managing high blood pressure could reduce the risk of dementia in people over 60
- It is recommended to have your blood pressure checked by your doctor three to four times a year.
- Normal blood pressure is 120/80.
One in three adults is affected by high blood pressure (hypertension), but only half know it, according to the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm). However, according to a study published in the journal JAMA Network Openpeople over 60 treated for their hypertension have a 26% lower risk of dementia compared to those who are not treated.
Controlled hypertension: less risk of developing dementia
To reach this conclusion, scientists studied data from 34,519 people living in 15 countries, including Australia, the United States, Brazil, China, Italy, the Central African Republic and Nigeria.
Thus, the researchers were able to observe that patients who were not treated for their hypertension had a significantly higher risk of dementia compared to those who were treated or who did not have this health problem. And this link is also valid for people aged 70 and 80. “This study provides answers to crucial questions for public health”, says Dr Matt Lennon, one of the authors, in a communicated.
Management of hypertension could therefore be a factor in preventing dementia in people over 60 years old. However, the team emphasizes that the patient must carry out several screenings over the years, because a single dose is not enough to prevent the onset of high blood pressure and therefore dementia.
Prevent hypertension through regular screening
Hypertension is abnormally high blood pressure in the blood vessels. Most of the time, it is measured during consultations with your general practitioner, using a blood pressure monitor. According to Vidalit is recommended to have your blood pressure checked by your doctor three to four times a year.
Normal tension is 120/80. The first number is the systolic pressure, it is equivalent to the maximum pressure, when the heart contracts to empty itself of blood. the second number is diastolic blood pressure, which is the residual pressure when the heart relaxes to fill.
We speak of hypertension when these figures exceed 140/90 at the doctor’s office and 135/85 at home. In case of suspicion, the doctor often asks the patient to take self-tests at home several times during the day, for three days.
Final lesson from the study: the link between hypertension and dementia does not change depending on the sex or racial origin of the participants. “This is a promising result because it suggests that optimal care for one group will (have the same effect) for others”, specifies Dr. Matt Lennon.