Lowering blood pressure could reduce dementia risk

14/07/2008

Older people with high blood pressure are up to 600% more likely to develop vascular dementia - the second most common form of dementia in the UK - according to new research released by the Alzheimer's Society.

High blood pressure restricts oxygen to the brain but the symptoms often go unnoticed and a quarter of people are not even aware they have it. The Alzheimer's Society estimates that tackling the problem in midlife could reduce the number of deaths from dementia by up to 15, 000 people a year.

Professor Clive Ballard, director of research, Alzheimer's Society said: "Treating high blood pressure to best practice standards is vital. Only half of people over 65 receive effective treatment - and yet we know the treatment works. In the USA a combination of public awareness campaigns and rigorous treatment has reduced cardio-vascular disease by up to 60%. By working together, we can take the same steps towards reducing the risk of dementia in the UK."

 

Neil Hunt, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society says, "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. Having a low salt diet, maintaining a healthy weight and regulating your alcohol intake can also help tackle high blood pressure."

 

Rebecca Wood, Chief Executive of the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, commented, “This is an exciting development, with the potential to enhance thousands of lives. We urgently need more research like this if we are to offer hope to the 700,000 people in the UK who live with dementia.”

Top tips to reduce the risk of dementia also include: getting active, maintaining a healthy weight, watching cholesterol levels and stopping smoking.

For further information visit the two sites linked below.