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Reduce high blood pressure to reduce dementia risk

A new study has shown a strong link between high blood pressure and dementia risk. The study published in the Lancet Neurology journal, found blood pressure medication reduces dementia by 13%.

The dementia studies

An analysis of three trials of hypertension treatment and its affect on dementia in the elderly showed treatment of hypertension reduced the risk of dementia by 13%.

These trials included;

• the Perindopril Protection against Recurrent Stroke (PROGRESS) trial
• the Systolic Hypertension in Elderly Patients (SHEP) trial, and
• the Systolic Hypertension in Europe (Syst-Eur) trial.

Comments on the analysis

Professor Ballard, from the Alzheimer's Society, said it is "vital" that people's high blood pressure is treated. He added, "Only half of people over 65 receive effective treatment, yet we know treatment works."

Neil Hunt, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society, said, "People fear dementia more than any other condition in later life; it is a devastating disease that robs people of their lives. Everyone should get their blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly and receive effective treatment if they are at risk."

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