As we age, our risk for developing dementia increases. While genetics can play a role, there are also lifestyle factors that can affect our cognitive health. One such factor is high blood pressure, or hypertension. This common condition can damage blood vessels in the brain and increase the risk of cognitive decline. However, new research suggests that treating high blood pressure in your 30s may be a proactive step towards preventing dementia later in life. In this article, we will explore the links between high blood pressure and dementia, as well as strategies for managing hypertension in your 30s to promote brain health.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, has been linked to an increased risk of dementia in later life. A new study led by the University of California, Davis, compared magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans of older adults who had high blood pressure between the ages of 30 and 40 with scans from older adults who had had normal blood pressure. The researchers found that the high blood pressure group had significantly lower regional brain volumes and worse white matter integrity, both of which are associated with dementia. The study also showed that the negative brain changes were stronger in men and may be related to the protective benefits of oestrogen before menopause.
The researchers looked at data from 427 participants from the Kaiser Healthy Aging and Diverse Life Experiences (KHANDLE) study and the Study of Healthy Aging in African Americans (STAR), which provided health data from 1964 to 1985 for a diverse cohort of older Asian, Black, Latino and white adults. Two blood pressure readings were obtained when the participants were between the ages of 30 and 40. However, this can only determine physical properties like volumetric differences, not specific evidence of neurodegeneration over time.
Rachel Whitmer, senior author of the study and a professor in the departments of Public Health Sciences and Neurology at UC Davis, emphasised the importance of early life risk factors in brain health. “This study truly demonstrates the importance of early life risk factors, and that to age well, you need to take care of yourself throughout life – heart health is brain health,” she said. “We are excited to be able to continue following these participants and to uncover more about what one can do in early life to set yourself up for healthy brain ageing in late life.”
Hypertension is an incredibly common and treatable risk factor associated with dementia, and identifying modifiable risk factors over the life course is key to reducing disease burden. Simple lifestyle changes such as cutting salt intake, being active, and cutting down on alcohol can help reduce high blood pressure. However, due to the limitations of the study, the research can only provide generalised advice. Further research is needed to determine specific evidence of neurodegeneration over time.
In conclusion, it is never too early to start taking care of your health, especially when it comes to managing high blood pressure. As we have seen, treating high blood pressure at an early age can not only reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks, but it may also help prevent dementia in later life. Therefore, it is important to get regular checkups, take prescribed medication, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and seek medical advice whenever necessary. By doing so, we can all take steps towards a healthier and happier future.
