Dementia: link to high blood pressure
One of our greatest fears is losing our mind and getting dementia or Alzheimer's, but new research shows a link with high blood pressure to the condition.
Why is dementia in the news?
Cutting high blood pressure in middle age could have a drastic impact on people suffering with dementia in old age, according to experts, and a new study has also found that blood pressure drugs cut dementia by 13%.
What does high blood pressure have to do with dementia?
Scientists aren't sure, but they think that high blood pressure starves the brain of blood and the oxygen that it carries, thus causing dementia.
How many people suffer from dementia?
Currently there are around 700,000 sufferers with 500 new cases every year, and according to the Alzheimer's Society those numbers are predicted to rise as the age of the population increases.
What can the average person do about this?
'Everyone should get their blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly,' said Neil Hunt from the Alzheimer's Society. 1 in 4 of us suffer from hypertension and being treated for it could cut the risk of developing vascular dementia by 600%. This would save 15,000 lives a year.
Can I only reduce high blood pressure through drugs?
No, there are other lifestyle changes you can make to tackle high blood pressure.
- Having a low salt diet
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Reducing your alcohol consumption
What else can be done?
Experts at the Alzheimer's Society want more focus on treatment of dementia. The society's Professor Clive Ballard said: 'Only half of people over 65 receive effective treatment, yet we know treatment works.'
- Read last week's big issue: Junk food warning for pregnant mums
More help and advice
- Get the facts on dementia
- Ten ways to keep your brain young
- Find out more about high blood pressure
- Cholesterol: Help and advice
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