Blood Pressure Treatment Linked to Lower Dementia Risk, Study Finds
A major trial hints that better blood pressure control may offer an unexpected benefit for brain health.
A recent study conducted in rural China has found that intensive blood pressure treatment may lower the risk of dementia. The China Rural Hypertension Control Program (CRHCP) involved 33,995 adults aged 40 and older with high blood pressure. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either usual care or intensive treatment delivered by trained community healthcare providers not physicians.
The intensive treatment group achieved significantly lower blood pressure readings than the usual-care group, with systolic blood pressure decreasing by 17.6 mmHg on average. After seven years, participants in the intensive-treatment group had a 15% lower risk of developing dementia compared to the usual-care group. The study's findings suggest that community-based blood pressure management could be an effective strategy for reducing dementia risk and improving long-term brain health.
Dr. Spencer Kroll, a medical expert, noted that the results align with a growing understanding of the link between cardiovascular health and cognitive decline. However, further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of similar interventions in urban areas and diverse healthcare systems, as well as the potential benefits of specific blood pressure medications and optimal blood pressure targets for cognitive health.
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