Best evidence yet that lowering blood pressure can prevent dementia
A global study of over 28,000 people has provided the strongest evidence to date that lowering blood pressure in later life can cut the risk of dementia.Dr Ruth Peters, Associate Professor at UNSW Sydney and Program Lead for Dementia in The George Institute?s Global Brain Health Initiative, said that in the absence of significant dementia treatment breakthroughs, reducing the risk of developing the disease would be a welcome step forward.?Given population ageing and the substantial costs of caring for people with dementia, even a small reduction could have considerable global impact,? she said. ?Our study suggests that using readily available treatments to lower blood pressure is currently one of our ?best bets? to tackle this insidious disease.?Dementia is fast becoming a global epidemic, currently affecting an estimated 50 million people worldwide. This is projected to triple by 2050 - mainly driven by aging populations.It is currently estimated to cost US$20-$40,000 per person with the condition each year.Dr Peters explained that while many trials have looked at the health benefits of lowering blood pressure, not many included dementia outcomes and even fewer were placebo-controlled ? considered to provide the best level of evidence.?Most trials were stopped early because of the significant impact of blood pressure lowering on cardiovascular events, which tend to occur earlier then signs of dementia,? she said. To examine the relationship between blood pressur...
