Khaberni - Recent research indicates that controlling blood pressure and heart disease can help prevent dementia as you age. Meaning, what happens in your heart and blood vessels directly affects your brain's health.
Scientific studies have demonstrated the importance of controlling blood pressure in preventing dementia with age, notably the SPRINT-MIND trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine in 2019, conducted by researchers in the United States under the leadership of a team from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).
This study found that lowering blood pressure more strictly in people with high blood pressure reduces the risk of dementia or cognitive decline by about 15% compared to standard treatment.
Modifiable risk
Analytical reviews published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia have revealed that approximately 40 to 50% of dementia cases are linked to modifiable risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes, indicating that early intervention in these factors can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing dementia.
In addition, studies published in the JAMA journal have shown that targeting lower blood pressure levels within safe ranges helps protect the micro blood vessels in the brain and reduce the damage associated with cognitive decline.
Blood pressure is more important than you think
Controlling high blood pressure not only protects your heart but also your brain. In a clinical trial involving thousands of people, it was found that those who received effective treatment for blood pressure had a 15% decrease in the risk of developing dementia compared to others.
Studies suggest that starting treatment early, even before any symptoms of dementia appear, can reduce the long-term brain damage.
A healthy lifestyle protects your brain
In addition to treating blood pressure, a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of dementia:
Regular exercise: Walking, bicycling, or any physical activity benefits both the heart and brain.
Eating a healthy diet: Consuming vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, and healthy oils.
Brain stimulation and social interaction: Reading, mental games, or connecting with friends and family.
Studies have shown that these habits help maintain memory, improve focus, and reduce mental decline.
The relationship between the heart and the brain
High blood pressure can damage the small blood vessels in the brain, thus increasing the risk of dementia, particularly vascular dementia.
Long-term control of blood pressure and cholesterol helps reduce this damage and protect the brain.
