Neurologists are raising the alarm about a disturbing link that could be contributing to the heightened risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
In the UK, almost one million people are battling against dementia, including one in every 11 over the age of 65, according to the NHS. This loss of cognitive function not only affects memory, but the way you speak, think and feel, often flipping day-to-day life upside down.
That’s why Australian researchers have been exploring the driving causes behind this devastating condition and whether its effects can be lessened. The results were unveiled just this week, highlighting that untreated high blood pressure is ‘associated’ to Alzheimer’s disease.
“High blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke and cerebrovascular disease, and yet it can be controlled with medication, reducing a person’s risk of these diseases,” Dr Matthew J. Lennon, of the University of New South Wales in Australia, said.
“Taking blood pressure medications has also been found in previous research to reduce a person’s risk of dementias overall, but less is known about how blood pressure affects a person’s risk of Alzheimer’s disease.”
While many often mistake dementia for Alzheimer’s, it’s crucial to understand that they are not the same. Dementia is an umbrella term that includes various brain disorders such as Huntington’s, vascular, and Lewy body dementia, among others.
Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, is known for its gradual erosion of a person’s ability to learn, remember, and reason.
As part of the new Neurology study, experts examined more than 30,000 people with an average age of 72 living in 14 nations across the world.
These participants were followed for four years, with 1,415 developing Alzheimer’s disease in that time.
Analysing the differences between each participant, scientists revealed that people were 36% more likely to have Alzheimer’s disease if they also had untreated high blood pressure.
Unmedicated hypertension was also linked to a staggering 42% increased risk of Alzheimer’s when compared with people who were taking blood pressure drugs.
The results come just months after the University of Oxford found that type two diabetes – a condition often worsened by obesity – may also worsen the onset of dementia in addition to smoking, drinking beer and poor sleep.
Lennon continued: “Our meta-analysis that included people from around the world found that taking blood pressure medications was associated with decreased risk of Alzheimer’s disease throughout later life.
“These results suggest that treating high blood pressure as a person ages continues to be a crucial factor in reducing their risk of Alzheimer’s disease.”
High blood pressure is influenced by a number of factors including your age, ethnicity and food intake, with a high salt diet worse for this overall.
Although it’s often symptomless, there are a few signs you can look out for according to the NHS. This includes headaches, blurred vision and chest pain, potentially arising as uncomfortable pressure in the left side or centre of your chest.
However, blood pressure examinations are the only way to diagnose those this issue for certain. If you’re concerned, seeing a GP or calling 111 for advice is crucial.