New health findings suggest that eliminating two common elements from your diet could help in reducing blood pressure, potentially protecting your brain. A pioneering study indicates that decreasing high blood pressure can lower the risk of dementia by 15 per cent.
The research, conducted by the University of Texas, analysed data from 34,000 individuals residing in rural China with high blood pressure to understand how lifestyle modifications and medication can influence blood pressure levels. Over a span of four years, the researchers monitored the participants.
One group was provided with interventions for blood pressure, including medication, health coaching, and guidance on reducing alcohol and salt consumption. The other group received standard medical care, which included advice on managing blood pressure, reports the Manchester Evening News.
The study revealed that those who were part of the intensive blood pressure management group had a 15 per cent lower likelihood of developing dementia and a 16 per cent reduced chance of experiencing cognitive impairment, such as issues with thinking and memory.
According to Alzheimer’s Society, approximately 982,000 people in the UK are currently living with dementia. However, this figure is projected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040.
Dr Richard Oakley, associate director of research and Innovation at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. The condition is progressive and although no single behaviour is guaranteed to prevent dementia, we know that what’s good for your heart is often also good for your head.
“This study is one of the first big trials to test whether treating high blood pressure, supported by health coaching can reduce dementia risk, and the results appear to be promising.”
Dr Oakley added: “It is encouraging that the intervention worked in real-world, rural settings using non-physician healthcare workers, which may have implications for delivering care in areas with limited resources in the future. However, this four-year study cannot tell us whether the benefits will last in the long-term so we will continue to follow this trial.”
His faith in research as a weapon against dementia was clear: “Research will one day beat dementia. This study takes another step forwards and we will be keen to see further studies provide more information about the impact of blood pressure control over the longer term and in other populations.”
The NHS advises that high blood pressure, in sync with lifestyle factors such as poor diet, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption, can elevate dementia risk. The study indicates that reducing salt and alcohol consumption could make a significant difference in managing dementia risk, along with other interventions to control blood pressure.
Prof Masud Husain, an Oxford University neurologist not involved in the study, said: “This is a landmark study with a very large sample size and a robust effect.” He highlighted the necessity of intense treatment for high blood pressure not only for cardiac protection but cerebral as well.
In his clinical practice, he advises patients to maintain blood pressure consistently below 140/80 mmHg. He added: “Remarkably, within just four years, there was a significant reduction in the incidence of dementia by aggressively treating raised blood pressure. Although many patients and their GPs understand how important it is to treat blood pressure, they might not appreciate what a risk it poses for developing dementia.”
The research findings were shared in the journal, Nature Medicine.