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Alzheimer's and hypertension linked

High blood pressure has been shown to reduce blood flow in the brain of Alzheimer's patients, in a recent study.

According to MedicineNet Alzheimer's disease is, "A progressive neurologic disease of the brain that leads to the irreversible loss of neurons and dementia. The clinical hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease are progressive impairment in memory, judgment, decision making, orientation to physical surroundings, and language."

The study

Researchers studied the brains of 68 elderly adults with MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) techniques. The researchers from the University of Pittsburgh measured the blood flow within the brain.

The results

According to Reuters UK, "They found cerebral blood flow was substantially decreased in all patients with high blood pressure and was the lowest in Alzheimer's patients with high blood pressure."

High blood pressure makes Alzheimer's patients more vulnerable to the effects of the disease.

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