Hypertension in Your 60s, If Left Untreated, Can Lead to 'Dementia'

Identification of the Association Between Dementia and Blood Pressure

A study has found that neglecting hypertension in individuals aged 60 and above increases the risk of dementia, drawing significant attention. This research clarifies the link between hypertension and Alzheimer's disease.

Foreign media including the New York Post recently reported on the study published on the 14th (local time) in the American medical journal Neurology. In the paper, the research team reviewed 14 international studies involving 31,250 participants to identify the correlation between hypertension and dementia risk.

The researchers first tracked and examined participants with an average age of 72 over four years, diagnosing their cognitive changes and levels of dementia. Among the study subjects, 1,415 were Alzheimer's patients.

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The team also measured the participants' blood pressure and checked whether those with hypertension were taking medication. Among the participants, 36% did not have hypertension, 51% were taking antihypertensive drugs, and 9% had untreated hypertension.

Analysis showed that individuals diagnosed with hypertension but not receiving treatment had a higher likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to those managing hypertension or those without blood pressure-related conditions.

Patients with untreated hypertension had a 36% higher risk of developing dementia than those without hypertension, and about 42% higher risk compared to those managing hypertension with medication.

Earlier research published in 2018 also suggested that hypertension could damage the brains of elderly individuals, potentially causing Alzheimer's. That study used autopsy data and found that brains of people with high blood pressure exhibited more signs and characteristics of Alzheimer's than those with normal blood pressure.

Matthew Jay Lennen, PhD, from the University of New South Wales in Australia and the lead author of the study, explained, "Hypertension is a major cause of stroke and cerebrovascular disease, but these risks can be reduced with medication. Our analysis of older adults found that untreated blood pressure conditions can actually increase the risk of (dementia)."

However, this study only demonstrates an association between hypertension and Alzheimer's disease; it does not prove the hypothesis that untreated hypertension causes Alzheimer's. Additionally, the study has limitations due to varying blood pressure thresholds for diagnosing hypertension across different countries.

Meanwhile, dementia remains a disease with unclear exact mechanisms and causes, and no fundamental treatment has been developed yet. Therefore, early detection and prevention through regular health check-ups are crucial.