A recent study published in the journal Hypertension Research found that high blood pressure can increase the risk of developing dementia, particularly within the middle-aged population. The study analyzed data from 1,279 individuals in Argentina with high blood pressure between the ages of 21 and 95. The researchers used the CAIDE dementia risk score, which factors in information on blood pressure, cholesterol levels, obesity, physical activity, age, and education. Results showed that 28% of middle-aged individuals aged 47-53 had an increased risk of dementia. Additionally, approximately 40% of all study participants, regardless of age, had an increased risk of developing dementia.
According to Augusto Vicario, MD, a cardiologist and chief of the Heart and Brain Unit, the impact of risk factors is most significant in middle age, as hypertension during this period can increase the risk of dementia later in life. However, as hypertension begins later, the dementia risk decreases, as vascular brain disease is slow to develop and requires more than a decade to be clinically expressed. Vicario stressed the importance of early detection and control of hypertension, as it is the main modifiable vascular risk factor for dementia. Physicians are encouraged to include cognitive evaluation in routine clinical assessments of hypertensive patients to stratify cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk.
Vicario emphasized the importance of detecting hypertension early, controlling it with anti-hypertensive medications, and improving adherence to treatment to reduce the risk of developing dementia. He urged physicians to evaluate the brain health of hypertensive patients, as brain damage can occur without kidney or heart damage in hypertensive individuals. The study highlights the link between uncontrolled hypertension and dementia, motivating patients and primary care physicians to be more proactive in managing this risk factor for brain health.
José Morales, MD, a vascular neurologist, noted that the study’s valuable aspect is raising awareness among patients and healthcare providers about the link between hypertension and dementia. He emphasized the importance of optimizing blood pressure control as a strategy to mitigate the risk of dementia in hypertensive individuals. Jennifer Wong, MD, a cardiologist, supported the study’s findings, indicating the importance of highlighting the serious consequences of hypertension, which is often referred to as a silent disease. She underlined the significance of studies like these in educating patients about the risks associated with hypertension, particularly in younger individuals who may not exhibit symptoms of high blood pressure.
