That’s why recent studies showing a deep link between controlling high blood pressure and reducing the risk of dementia caught our attention. Jiang He, a professor of epidemiology, internal medicine, and neurology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, highlighted the critical importance of controlling high blood pressure. In doing so, we will be taking big steps to decrease the likelihood of cognitive decline. High blood pressure, known as hypertension, is a critical public health concern. It is the fourth most common cause of death globally and affects an estimated 1.28 billion people.
The study, recently published in the journal Nature Medicine, examined data from 326 villages that were randomly assigned to two intervention groups. Over a 48-month period, participants in the intervention group experienced a marked reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, 22 mmHg and 9 mmHg, respectively, compared to those receiving usual care. This is important because a whopping 68% of people in the intervention group reached blood pressure less than 130/80 mmHg. Only 15% of people getting usual care achieved those levels, by comparison.
Cheng-Han Chen, board-certified interventional cardiologist and medical director at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center, helped shed more light on the discovery. He noted that older adults with hypertension who were able to bring their blood pressure down saw their risk of all-cause dementia drop by 15%. Not only that, they reduced their risk of cognitive impairment by 16%.
Hypertension is not only a health risk but causes significant financial and emotional stress on patients and caregivers. Dementia must now be regarded as one of the major, highly prevalent global public health challenges – Jiang He. Its growing spread and alarming effects have led to panic.
“Dementia has become a major global public health challenge due to its high and rising disease burden. It is the fifth leading cause of death worldwide and places significant financial and emotional strain on patients, caregivers, and society,” – Jiang He.
The study emphasizes that antihypertensive treatment should be a key component for prevention of dementia among patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Similarly, Jiang He emphasized that observational studies indicate a risk that is large for people with hypertension. They are almost 40% more likely to develop dementia than people whose blood pressure is considered normal.
Leading experts advise a holistic approach when it comes to keeping blood pressure in check. This involves eating healthier, being more active, sleeping better, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress.
“To help keep blood pressure under control, we recommend that people eat a healthy balanced diet low in sodium, engage in regular physical activity, get an adequate amount of quality sleep, maintain a healthy weight, avoid alcohol and tobacco, and reduce stress,” – [source unspecified].
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, medication will be required to control hypertension.
“If lifestyle changes are not enough, sometimes one or more medications might be needed,” – [source unspecified].
The overall findings and implications of this study indicate that hypertension preventive efforts should be a focal point among public health efforts. Cheng-Han Chen olarak değerlendirdi hipertansiyonu tarama ve toplumu güçlendirmek için daha fazlasını yapma arzusu.
“These results should drive further public health efforts to screen for and intervene on hypertension in the community,” – Chen.
As these insights continue to take root within the medical system, they highlight the need for early intervention and preventive care.
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