Dementia Support Line
The link between raised blood pressure and dementia risk – Alzheimer’s Society comment
A study published in the January 23 online issue of Neurology has suggested that people in their 20s and 30s having blood pressure above normal – even below the level considered to be high blood pressure - may be linked to loss of brain volume.
People with blood pressure above normal were more likely to have a loss of volume in the gray matter in certain areas of the brain than people with normal blood pressure.
Dr James Pickett, Head of Research at Alzheimer’s Society, said:
'Through our own work we know that having a healthy heart is key in helping prevent dementia. With no treatments yet to slow or stop the condition we all need to stay active and eat well at all ages.
What is intriguing about this study is its suggestion that even slightly raised blood pressure could be linked to subtle changes in the brain – however it cannot tell us whether a slightly raised blood pressure increases our chances of developing dementia.
'What’s good for the heart is good for the head and maintaining a healthy blood pressure is part of this, so turn off the Netflix and get out for a walk in the fresh air.'
