Higher blood pressure link to Alzheimer’s in the elderly

HAVING high blood pressure in later life could put you at greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s, a study found.

older people with high blood pressure were 46 per cent more likely to have brain lesions – damage linked to the disease.

They also had higher levels of tau tangles – a type of protein which harm the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease.

The findings add to growing evidence that adopting healthier lifestyles could be key to staving off dementia.

High blood pressure – known by the medical term hypertension – affects one in three British adults and is a leading cause of heart attacks and stroke.

There are often no symptoms until it is too late, with only around half of people even aware they are at risk.

Scientists from rush Alzheimer’s disease Centre in Chicago wanted to examine the impact blood pressure changes in old age can have on the brain.

They studied almost 1,300 elderly people from the US, who had their blood pressure taken every year until they died, on average eight years later.

When their brains were examined postmortem, researchers found a link between high blood pressure and brain tangles but

‘We need to reduce the chance of dementia’

not plaques, the other protein linked to the disease. Taking blood pressure medications did not make any difference, according to the findings, published in the American Academy of Neurology. The authors said further research is needed.

experts suggest steps to lower blood pressure, such as drinking less alcohol, not smoking or eating too much salt, could prevent damage to the brain.

dr doug Brown, chief policy and research officer at the Alzheimer’s Society, said high blood pressure in middle age is known to increase dementia risk in later life, adding: ‘With the number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s ever growing, we need to look at all ways we can reduce the chance of getting dementia.’

Living in a green neighbourhood could be good for your brainpower in old age. Women who live close to greenery, which could include parks or trees in the street, can slow their cognitive decline in old age.

The study also found men who live in green areas have better brainpower, which can affect reasoning and fluency.

Green space is believed to be good for our brains because it encourages people to take exercise. It is also good for stress, and encourages us to socialise, both of which are good for thinking skills.