Blood pressure cut may ward off dementia

SLASHING high blood pressure significantly reduces brain power loss and may protect against dementia, according to landmark research.

Scientists found it cut risk of cognitive decline – an early sign of Alzheimer’s – in older people by a fifth.

The three-year study on more than 9000 over-50s also suggested the treatment lowered the chance of later developing dementia by about 15 per cent.

But these specific results were not considered significant due to a lack of numbers and follow-up time.

US experts said the findings were “encouraging” and are now planning a larger trial.

Researcher Dr Richard Hodes, director of the National Institute on Aging, inmaryland, said: “Results showing that intensive lowering of blood pressure may reduce risk for mild cognitive impairment, a known risk factor for dementia, gives us additional avenues to explore on the path to prevention.”

Loss of brain power – also known as cognitive impairment – is one of the first signs of dementia.

Those affected find it harder to think, remember and reason, compared to normal people their age.

There is currently no cure but some drugs can control the symptoms.

High blood pressure is known as the silent killer, because signs often go unnoticed until it is too late.

In the study, published in

medics aimed to lower participants’ blood pressure to less than 120mmhg.

The treatment reduced the risk of brain power loss by 19 per cent. The Sun