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8 Powerful Ways Blood Pressure Control Fights Memory Loss
New research reveals intensive blood pressure management significantly reduces cognitive decline risk in adults over 50
The shadow of cognitive decline looms larger as America ages, with projections indicating that more than 9 million people could face dementia by 2030. This number is expected to surge to nearly 12 million by 2040. More concerning is that over half of Americans develop high blood pressure by age 50, creating a perfect storm for cognitive health challenges. As the population continues to age, the intersection of these health concerns presents an unprecedented challenge to the healthcare system and society at large.
Breaking down the groundbreaking researchA landmark study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine has unveiled promising results in the battle against cognitive decline. The research tracked 9,361 participants aged 50 and older between 2010 and 2013, focusing on two distinct approaches to blood pressure management. The comprehensive nature of this study, combined with its long-term follow-up period, provides robust evidence for the connection between blood pressure control and cognitive health preservation.
Medications that protect brain healthThe first line of defense in protecting brain health through blood pressure management often begins with diuretics, particularly thiazides and chlorthalidone, which have shown remarkable effectiveness in controlling hypertension. Beta-blockers and alpha-blockers work in tandem to manage heart rate and blood flow, providing crucial protection for both cardiovascular and cognitive health. Calcium-channel blockers have proven invaluable in relaxing blood vessels and improving circulation throughout the body, including the brain.
Central agonists target the brain's role in blood pressure regulation, while peripheral adrenergic inhibitors reduce nerve impulses that constrict blood vessels. Vasodilators play a direct role in widening blood vessels to lower pressure, providing immediate relief for many patients. ACE inhibitors prevent the formation of blood vessel-constricting compounds, offering long-term protection against hypertension. Angiotensin receptor blockers round out the pharmaceutical arsenal by protecting vessels from harmful hormonal effects.
The power of intensive treatmentThe study divided participants into two groups: one targeting blood pressure below 120 mm Hg (intensive treatment) and another aiming for less than 140 mm Hg (standard treatment). After following participants for an average of 3.3 years, the results were striking. Among 4,232 participants evaluated for cognitive status, those receiving intensive treatment showed significantly lower rates of cognitive decline. This breakthrough finding suggests that aggressive blood pressure management could be key to preserving cognitive function as we age.
Understanding the numbers behind brain protectionThe intensive treatment group reported 248 cases of cognitive issues, compared to 293 in the standard treatment group. This marked difference highlights how aggressive blood pressure management can shield the brain from damage. The American Heart Association reports that nearly half of U.S. Adults struggle with high blood pressure, making these findings particularly relevant to public health efforts. The statistical significance of these results underscores the importance of taking a proactive approach to blood pressure management.
Why middle-aged adults face the highest riskWhile high blood pressure can affect cognition at any age, middle-aged adults face particular vulnerability. The cumulative effect of uncontrolled hypertension over years can lead to progressive brain damage, making early intervention crucial. The longer blood pressure remains controlled, the better the protection against cognitive decline. This period of life represents a critical window for intervention, where proper blood pressure management can significantly impact long-term cognitive health outcomes.
The path forward for brain health protectionThe study emphasizes the importance of medication in managing blood pressure effectively. While lifestyle modifications play a vital role, many patients require multiple medications to achieve optimal control. This multi-faceted approach offers the best protection against cognitive decline and dementia. Healthcare providers increasingly recognize the need to tailor treatment plans to individual patients, considering factors such as age, overall health status, and existing medical conditions.
The importance of regular monitoring cannot be overstated in the successful management of blood pressure and cognitive health protection. Regular check-ups allow healthcare providers to adjust medications and treatment strategies as needed, ensuring optimal protection against cognitive decline. Patient education about the importance of medication adherence and lifestyle modifications remains crucial to successful treatment outcomes.
Looking ahead, the implications of this research extend beyond individual health outcomes to broader public health policy. As our understanding of the connection between blood pressure and cognitive health grows, healthcare systems may need to adjust their approach to preventive care, particularly for middle-aged adults at risk for hypertension. The potential to reduce the burden of cognitive decline through better blood pressure management represents a significant opportunity for improving public health outcomes.
The relationship between blood pressure control and cognitive health preservation continues to be an active area of research, with new studies building upon these findings to further our understanding of this crucial connection. As we move forward, the emphasis on comprehensive blood pressure management as a key strategy for protecting cognitive health is likely to grow, potentially reshaping how we approach preventive healthcare for aging populations.
Treating Hypertension May Help Lower Cognitive Decline Risk
New research confirms that keeping blood pressure in check could help lower cognitive decline risk as we age. Image credit: Oscar Wong/Getty Images.This article originally appeared on Medical News TodayIntensive blood pressure control for adults with hypertension and high cardiovascular risk can reduce the risk of mild cognitive impairment or dementia in the long term, according to a new study.
Current estimates suggest that more than 9 million Americans could have dementia by 2030, and nearly 12 million by 2040. Mild cognitive impairment, a transitional state between normal cognitive aging and dementia, is also expected to increase.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can result in a greater risk for cognitive decline or dementia as well as cardiovascular disease.
More than half of all Americans experience hypertension by the time they are 50.
Intensive blood pressure control for adults with hypertension (high blood pressure) and high cardiovascular risk can reduce the risk of mild cognitive impairment or dementia in the long term, according to a new study by researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
This is in the context in which more than 9 million Americans could develop dementia by 2030, and nearly 12 million by 2040. Data also suggest that more than half of all Americans experience hypertension by the time they are 50.
The recent study, published in Neurology, aimed to examine the effects on cognitive decline from standard and intensive blood pressure treatment.
Blood pressure and brain health risksResearchers used data from the landmark Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial, or SPRINT, which compared intensive treatment to standard treatment of systolic blood pressure among people with hypertension, and had results published in 2015.
The findings suggested that lowering systolic blood pressure would reduce the risk of dementia, but the SPRINT study's success in lowering cardiovascular disease meant that it was stopped early, so ultimate results regarding dementia were inconclusive.
The new study's authors aimed to sustain the process of intensive blood pressure treatment for more conclusive results.
SPRINT's researchers incorporated 9,361 patients over the age of 50 in the United States and Puerto Rico, who were randomly assigned to a systolic blood pressure goal of either less than 120 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), which amounted to an intensive treatment, or less than 140 mm Hg (standard treatment) between 2010 and 2013.
The patients received 3.3 years of treatment and were followed up with until 2018.
The new study's researchers determined the cognitive status of 4,232 (59%) participants (mean age 67 years, 36% female).
During the years of follow-up, 248 of those who had undergone intensive blood pressure treatment were determined to have probable dementia or mild cognitive impairment, compared with 293 participants who had received standard treatment.
The findings confirmed that an intensive treatment of hypertension was associated with a significantly lower risk of mild cognitive decline.
"Over a median of almost 7 years of follow-up, we observed that the previously reported statistically significant reduction in the rate of cognitive impairment (composite of [mild cognitive decline] or probable dementia) was maintained," the researchers write in their study paper.
"The estimated effect on probable dementia, although not statistically significant, was also similar to the primary trial analysis in showing a lower incidence of probable dementia associated with intensive treatment," they further note.
How does blood pressure affect cognition and dementia?American Heart Association data indicate that almost half of adults in the United States have high blood pressure, and most of them are not adequately managing this condition.
Research published in 2022 showed that the longer a person's blood pressure remains under control, the lower their risk for cognitive decline or dementia.
José Morales, MD, a vascular neurologist and neurointerventional surgeon at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, who was not involved in the study, told Medical News Today that, left unchecked, high blood pressure can leave damage beyond cardiovascular impairments:
"Elevated blood pressure leads to end-organ damage in the brain. While it is more commonly associated with stroke, its insidious effects are cognitive impairment. There are likely subclinical changes that are undetectable or unnoticeable due to cognitive reserve, but the degree or extent of brain damage that results in cognitive impairment is most likely many years in the making and insidiously progressing."
What are the best treatments for high blood pressure?The study focused on treatment involving medication rather than any lifestyle changes. Doctors will often recommend a low dose of medication at first, but people with hypertension may need to combine two or more drugs to manage their blood pressure, depending on the person and any underlying medical conditions they may have.
Medications for hypertension include:
"Lifestyle and dietary changes are definitely first line approaches, but when these fail to adequately control hypertension medication becomes necessary," said Morales.
"It really depends patient to patient. Some patients are young and have poorly controlled blood pressure, which is likely causing subclinical damage that increases their later life risk of dementia. In general, the average person with hypertension is middle-aged and studies now implicate this age bracket with significant changes in our body that are a harbinger for future health," he explained.
Cheng-Han Chen, MD, a board-certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA, who also was not involved in the study, told MNT that high blood pressure, if left unchecked, does damage to cognition over years, regardless of age.
However, adults in middle age generally are the most at risk if their blood pressure is beyond normal range.
"There is a not a single age at which high blood pressure permanently leads to cognitive decline. Rather, the negative effects of high blood pressure likely occur over a period of decades," Chen said.
"Some studies point to 'midlife' (age 40's to early 60's) as the period of life during which much of the damage occurs," he noted, which emphasizes the importance of managing blood pressure as we age.
View the original article on Medical News Today
7-Day Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan For Healthy Blood Pressure, Created By A Dietitian
Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD
Ali Redmond & Greg Dupree. EatingWell design.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common chronic disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost half of adults in the United States have high blood pressure and only one-fourth have blood pressure levels in a healthy range. Support a healthier blood pressure with this seven-day meal plan. Filled with fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains, this meal plan includes anti-inflammatory meals that total no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day to help support a healthy heart.
Why This Meal Plan Is Great for YouHigh blood pressure is a sneaky disease you might not realize you have, since it doesn't typically present any noticeable symptoms. However, lifestyle changes like diet, physical activity and regular blood pressure monitoring can help you manage your blood pressure. We based this meal plan on the DASH—or Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension—diet, one of the best eating patterns for combating high blood pressure. It focuses on eating lots of whole foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and proteins like fish, poultry and low-fat dairy rather than red meat—while limiting sodium intake and ultra-processed foods.
There's also a link between inflammation and high blood pressure. Chronic inflammation can damage your blood vessels and make them stiffer, which can lead to higher blood pressure. The good news is that an anti-inflammatory diet and the DASH diet have a lot in common, making them easy to follow together. While inflammation may not be the only issue behind high blood pressure, eating antioxidant-rich foods and avoiding inflammatory ones can help boost your overall heart health.
This 1,800-calorie meal plan has modifications for 1,500 and 2,000 calories to support those with different calorie needs. While we previously included meal plans and modifications for 1,200 calories, we no longer do. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests that limiting your calories to 1,200 per day is too low for most people to meet their nutritional needs, plus it's unsustainable for long-term health and well-being.
Day 1 Breakfast (534 calories) A.M. Snack (212 calories)½ cup nonfat Greek yogurt
Daily Totals: 1,821 calories, 84g fat, 16g saturated fat, 75g protein, 197g carbohydrate, 37g fiber, 1,410mg sodium
Make it 1,500 calories: Omit eggs at breakfast and peanut butter at lunch.
Make it 2,000 calories: Add ½ avocado to dinner.
Day 2Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Lauren Odum
Breakfast (363 calories) A.M. Snack (232 calories) Lunch (441 calories) P.M. Snack (264 calories) Dinner (528 calories)Daily Totals: 1,776 calories, 73g fat, 16g saturated fat, 86g protein, 204g carbohydrate, 51g fiber, 1,454mg sodium
Make it 1,500 calories: Omit P.M. Snack.
Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 large eggs, scrambled, to breakfast.
Day 3 Breakfast (363 calories) A.M. Snack (203 calories) Lunch (477 calories) P.M. Snack (212 calories)½ cup nonfat Greek yogurt
Daily Totals: 1,772 calories, 71g fat, 17g saturated fat, 97protein, 203g carbohydrate, 53g fiber, 1,447mg sodium
Make it 1,500 calories: Omit A.M. Snack.
Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 large eggs, scrambled, to breakfast.
Day 4Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell
Breakfast (363 calories) A.M Snack (307 calories) Lunch (441 calories) P.M. Snack (204 calories) Dinner (460 calories)Daily Totals: 1,833 calories, 76g fat, 17g saturated fat, 91g protein, 205g carbohydrate, 53g fiber, 1,526mg sodium
Make it 1,500 calories: Omit A.M. Snack.
Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 large eggs, scrambled, to breakfast.
Day 5 Breakfast (363 calories) A.M. Snack (228 calories) Lunch (498 calories) P.M. Snack (294 calories)½ cup nonfat Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons walnut halves
Daily Totals: 1,834 calories, 83g fat, 18g saturated fat, 82g protein, 205g carbohydrate, 55g fiber, 1,527mg sodium
Make it 1,500 calories: Omit P.M. Snack.
Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 scrambled eggs to breakfast.
Day 6Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek
Breakfast (322 calories) P.M. Snack (204 calories) Lunch (623 calories) P.M. Snack (264 calories) Dinner (406 calories)Daily Totals: 1,819 calories, 81g fat, 16g saturated fat, 68g protein, 220g carbohydrate, 61g fiber, 1,337mg sodium
Make it 1,500 calories: Omit walnuts at A.M snack and omit P.M. Snack.
Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 large eggs, scrambled, to breakfast.
Day 7 Breakfast (281 calories) A.M. Snack (228 calories) Lunch (431 calories) P.M. Snack (294 calories)½ cup nonfat Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons walnut halves
Daily Totals: 1,790 calories, 74g fat, 156g saturated fat, 70g protein, 234g carbohydrate, 50g fiber, 1,518mg sodium
Make it 1,500 calories: Omit P.M. Snack.
Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 slice whole-wheat bread and ½ avocado to breakfast.
How to Meal-Prep Your Week of Meals: Frequently asked QuestionsIs it OK to mix and match meals if there is one I do not like?
Yes! This meal plan is meant to serve as a framework for an anti-inflammatory diet. It doesn't need to be followed exactly to reap the benefits. If you're making a recipe swap, it may be helpful to choose a recipe with similar calories, fiber, protein and sodium levels. For more inspiration, check out these delicious beginner-friendly anti-inflammatory recipes.
Can I eat the same breakfast or lunch every day?
Definitely, it's fine to eat the same breakfast or lunch every day. The breakfasts range from 280 to 533 calories, while the lunches span 431 to 622 calories. These ranges are fairly close, though if you're closely monitoring your calories or other nutrients, like protein, you may want to adjust a snack or two.
Why is there not a modification for 1,200 calories?
We no longer provide modifications for 1,200-calorie days in our meal plans. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests that limiting calories to 1,200 per day is too low for most people to meet their nutritional needs, plus it's unsustainable for long-term health and well-being.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Focus On:Vegetables, especially leafy and dark-colored vegetables such as broccoli, beets and kale
Fruits, especially berries
Legumes (such as beans, lentils and soy products)
Omega-3 rich seafood (such as salmon, tuna and shrimp)
Nuts and seeds, including natural nut butters
Unsweetened fermented dairy, such as yogurt, kefir and cottage cheese
Registered dietitians thoughtfully create EatingWell's meal plans to be easy-to-follow and delicious. Each meal plan meets specific parameters depending on the health condition and/or lifestyle goal it is targeting and is analyzed for accuracy using the nutrition database, ESHA Food Processor. As nutritional needs differ from person to person, we encourage you to use these plans as inspiration and adjust as you see fit.
Read the original article on EATINGWELL
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