Reducing high blood pressure can lower your risk of developing dementia
A recent study, the China Rural Hypertension Control phase III (CRHC-3) study, has provided compelling evidence that controlling high blood pressure can significantly lower the risk of developing dementia.
The study, which was conducted over four years, divided participants into two groups: an intervention group and a usual care group. The intervention group received special care, which included medication, lifestyle changes, and support for medication management and home blood pressure tracking. As a result, they managed to lower their blood pressure by an impressive 22.0/9.3 mm Hg.
After 48 months, the intervention group was taking an average of three different blood pressure medications, while the usual care group managed with just 1.2 medications. This indicates a more intensive treatment approach for the intervention group, which may have contributed to the significant reduction in dementia risk.
The study found that maintaining systolic blood pressure below 130 mm Hg led to about a 15% reduction in the incidence of dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This finding aligns with global guidelines emphasizing blood pressure targets below 130 mm Hg to help prevent cognitive decline.
The participants in the CRHC-3 study were relatively young, with a baseline age of about 63. Despite their relatively young age, the study found that the intervention group had fewer issues with cognitive impairment without dementia. The intervention group also had a lower dementia diagnosis rate (4.6%) compared to the usual care group (5.4%).
Furthermore, the intervention group had fewer serious health complications during the trial compared to the usual care group. This suggests that the intensive treatment approach not only reduced dementia risk but also improved overall health.
The study involved nearly 34,000 participants with uncontrolled hypertension. These findings are particularly significant given the high prevalence of dementia in China and the global burden of dementia.
Research has found that exercise can be as effective as medication in controlling high blood pressure. Additionally, an analysis published in the Journal of the American Heart Association identified the optimal daily amount of healthy fats and omega-3s needed to help lower blood pressure. These findings further support the importance of lifestyle changes in managing high blood pressure and reducing dementia risk.
The SPRINT MIND trial, a similar U.S. study, also found that stricter blood pressure control could lower the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. These findings reinforce the importance of hypertension management as part of dementia prevention strategies.
In conclusion, the CRHC-3 study and corroborating studies provide robust evidence that controlling high blood pressure substantially lowers the risk of developing dementia. This reinforces the importance of hypertension management as part of dementia prevention strategies, both in China and globally.
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References: 1. MedPage Today 2. Nature Medicine 3. Greater Good Health 4. Journal of the American Heart Association
The study's findings suggest that integrating science-backed lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and a healthful diet rich in omega-3s could potentially boost brain health by lowering the risk of developing dementia. This support for lifestyle modifications aligns with the emphasis on heart health and mental-health maintenance in the health-and-wellness community. Additionally, the CRHC-3 study's corroboration with the SPRINT MIND trial underscores the significance of strict blood pressure control for overall cognitive function and mental well-being.
