Lowering Blood Pressure Reduces Risk of Dementia
Lowering high blood pressure significantly reduces the risk of both dementia and cognitive impairment, according to a large-scale phase 3 clinical trial. Published in Nature Medicine, the study involved nearly 34,000 participants and underscores the critical importance of adopting more intensive blood pressure control measures, especially among individuals with hypertension.
Dementia: A Growing Global Challenge
The number of people living with dementia is expected to rise dramatically—from 57.4 million in 2019 to an estimated 152.8 million by 2050. Low- and middle-income countries are projected to bear the brunt of this increase. While previous studies suggest that healthy lifestyle choices—such as regular physical activity and a balanced diet—can slow this trend, effective medical interventions remain crucial.
High Blood Pressure and Dementia Risk
Research consistently shows that untreated high blood pressure greatly increases dementia risk. In fact, individuals with unmanaged hypertension face a 42% higher likelihood of developing dementia compared to their healthy counterparts. However, until now, few randomized controlled trials have directly assessed whether lowering blood pressure through medication reduces dementia risk. Importantly, none have previously evaluated this outcome as the trial’s main focus.
Community-Based Intervention in Rural China
To address this gap, Jiang He and his team conducted a groundbreaking study in rural China. They enrolled 33,995 adults aged 40 or older with untreated hypertension. The researchers divided participants into two groups: the intervention group and the usual care (control) group.
As reported by Medical Xpress, the intervention group, consisting of 17,407 participants, received antihypertensive medications alongside comprehensive coaching. This coaching included training on home blood pressure monitoring, guidance on lifestyle modifications (like reducing sodium intake, losing weight, and cutting back on alcohol), and support for medication adherence. Meanwhile, the control group received standard blood pressure education and monitoring at health care facilities.
Promising Results Over Four Years
After 48 months, the intervention group showed markedly better blood pressure control, with more participants reaching target levels than those in the control group. More importantly, this group saw a 15% reduction in all-cause dementia and a 16% decrease in cognitive impairment rates.
Implications for Global Health
These findings highlight a promising path forward. By implementing evidence-based blood pressure interventions on a wider scale, especially in resource-limited settings, health systems worldwide could reduce the incidence and burden of dementia. This study emphasizes the need for scalable, community-driven health solutions to tackle one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time.