High Blood Pressure & Alzheimer’s Risk
- A new meta-analysis suggests that individuals aged 60 and older with untreated high blood pressure may face a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
- Dr.Matthew J.Lennon, of the University of New South Wales, Australia, noted that while high blood pressure is a major stroke risk, medication can manage it.
- The meta-analysis examined 31,250 individuals, averaging 72 years old, from 14 studies.
Untreated high blood pressure in adults aged 60 and older may significantly elevate the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a recent meta-analysis. Comparing over 31,000 participants across fifteen countries, the study revealed a clear association: those with untreated hypertension faced a notably higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s compared to those managing their blood pressure through medication or those without the condition. Dr. Matthew J. Lennon’s research highlights the crucial link between cardiovascular health and cognitive function, underscoring the importance of blood pressure management.News Directory 3 shares this breaking research. The analysis suggests that taking blood pressure medication is strongly associated with a decreased risk of Alzheimer’s, reinforcing the preventative benefits of treatment. Discover what’s next in advancing preventative health strategies.
Untreated High Blood Pressure Linked to Increased Alzheimer’s Risk
Updated August 14, 2024
A new meta-analysis suggests that individuals aged 60 and older with untreated high blood pressure may face a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The research, published in Neurology, the journal of the American Academy of Neurology, compared thes individuals to those receiving treatment for high blood pressure and those without the condition. The study emphasizes an association, not a direct causation.
Dr.Matthew J.Lennon, of the University of New South Wales, Australia, noted that while high blood pressure is a major stroke risk, medication can manage it. Prior research suggests blood pressure medications might lower dementia risk, but the effect on Alzheimer’s was less clear. This meta-analysis focuses on the potential link between untreated high blood pressure and Alzheimer’s disease.
The meta-analysis examined 31,250 individuals, averaging 72 years old, from 14 studies. These studies tracked cognitive changes and dementia diagnoses. Participants hailed from various countries, including Australia, the U.S., Brazil, and several European and Asian nations. Over an average of four years, 1,415 participants developed Alzheimer’s.
Researchers assessed blood pressure measurements, hypertension diagnoses, and medication use. Nine percent had untreated high blood pressure, 51% used medication, 36% had normal blood pressure, and 4% were uncertain.
After adjusting for factors like age, sex, and education, the study found that those with untreated high blood pressure had a 36% greater risk of Alzheimer’s compared to those without hypertension. The risk increased by 42% when compared to individuals with high blood pressure who were taking medication.
“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,” said Lennon. “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.”
The study’s authors noted that varied definitions of high blood pressure across different regions could introduce diagnostic discrepancies.
What’s next
Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms. However,the current analysis underscores the importance of managing high blood pressure,especially in older adults,as a potential strategy for reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.