A recent study published in JAMA Network Open has shed new light on the relationship between blood pressure and dementia in older adults. The report analyzed data from 17 observational studies involving over 34,000 adults aged 60 to 110, with an average age of 72. Over a four-year period, researchers found that untreated high blood pressure increased the risk of dementia by 42% compared to healthy older adults.
However, when treated high blood pressure was compared to untreated high blood pressure, there was only a 26% greater risk of developing dementia. This suggests that treating high blood pressure may have benefits for both the heart and brain health in later life.
Despite these findings, it’s important to note that this study did not find any meaningful difference in dementia risk between people with treated high blood pressure and healthy older adults without high blood pressure. However, the results do reinforce the importance of maintaining good cardiovascular health as we age.
As always, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your medication or lifestyle habits based on this research.
