New Delhi: According to an international study, there is a healthy way to keep dementia risk at bay, and this one comes without the need for any medication. Turns out, even keeping blood pressure under control can go a long way in keeping dementia risk at bay. Researchers have found that people suffering from uncontrolled hypertension who were given medication and treatment were 15% less likely to develop dementia over the next four years. The findings, published in Nature Medicine, reinforce what health experts have long suggested — dementia isn’t an inevitable part of ageing.
High blood pressure and brain health: The hidden link
High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects about one in three adults in the UK. It’s often caused by a mix of poor diet, lack of exercise, stress, and smoking. But beyond increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke, hypertension can silently damage blood vessels in the brain. This restricts blood flow, which may lead to cognitive decline or even dementia over time.
Professor Jiang He from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, who co-authored the study, explained that targeting hypertension could be one of the most effective ways to lower dementia risk at a population level. “This is a proven strategy that should be scaled up globally,” he said.
Real-world impact in rural communities
This large-scale trial involved nearly 34,000 adults over 40 years of age across rural villages in China — a population with limited access to healthcare. Half of the patients were put on an intensive care plan, including home monitoring kits, blood pressure medication, along with guidance on reducing weight, limiting salt intake, and not drinking alcohol. The other half was given routine care from their local clinicians without additional support or medication. After four years, those in the intensive group were not only 15% less likely to develop dementia but also saw a 16% drop in mild cognitive decline, often an early warning sign.
Why this matters
The study’s lead authors noted that both medication and lifestyle coaching likely contributed to the results. However, it’s unclear which intervention made the biggest difference, and experts caution that this strategy isn’t a guaranteed shield. Some people in the intensive group still developed dementia, which highlights the complexity of the disease. Dr Julia Dudley from Alzheimer’s Research UK says the findings emphasize the importance of preventative care. “There are no current treatments that stop dementia in its tracks. So taking care of our heart and blood vessels is something we can all do to support brain health,” she said.
Doctors say that more research is needed on the subject, especially in places with diverse populations. Additionally, factors like diet, genetics, and access to healthcare play a role in determining how effective the approach can be outside rural China. Nonetheless, the takeaway is clear: managing blood pressure isn’t just about heart health — it could be one of our best defences against dementia as well.