Researchers have looked at the impact of blood pressure in adulthood on the proper functioning of the brain.
From 15 to 20% of our blood flow irrigates our brain. According to the National Institute of Aging, “If reduced or blocked, the blood flow that keeps the brain healthy can harm this vital organ.”
In the UK, regular monitoring of blood pressure levels is only advised from the age of 40. However, according to the results of a study from University College London and published in the journal The Lancet Neurologythis monitoring should start earlier.
High blood pressure and brain size
The researchers based their study on analyzing health data from 502 people including their blood pressure levels at ages 36, 43, 53, 60, 64 and 69. None of the participants had dementia when they had a CT scan at age 70.
The results of the study show that between the ages of 36 and 43, but also between the ages of 43 and 53, participants with higher than normal blood pressure also had a smaller brain volume.
The study also shows a link between high blood pressure between 36 and 43 years and a lower volume of the hippocampus. The team also found a link between high blood pressure at age 53 and a 7% increase in white matter damage in the brain at the time of scans.
White matter damage is a sign of damaged blood vessels in the brain, aging, and a risk factor for cognitive decline.
Monitor blood pressure earlier
“We found that high blood pressure between the ages of 36 and 53 had a significant impact on brain volume and the level of long-term white matter damage,” says Dr. Schott, lead author of the study. imagine that these changes can eventually lead to a decline in brain function, difficulties in thinking and behavior.”
“Given the impact high blood pressure levels appear to have on long-term brain health, these findings reinforce the need for blood pressure monitoring even before midlife,” concludes Josephine Barnes. , co-author of the study.
Today, high blood pressure (HTA) affects 15 million people in France, or nearly one in three adults. According to the study Esteban recently published by Public Health France, 36% of adult men are now hypertensive, compared to 25% of women. 60% of people over the age of 65 suffer from this pathology; figures that climb to 80% among those over 80 years old.
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