A possible link between elevated blood pressure and vascular dementia

This study examined if elevated blood pressure increases the risk of vascular dementia. The authors concluded that for individuals under the age of 70, a higher systolic blood pressure (pressure when the heart is contracting) leads to an increased risk of vascular dementia. 

Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s. It is caused by a lack of blood supply to the brain and is often brought on by strokes or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). A TIA is an episode where blood flow to the brain is temporarily blocked.

Hypertension, (elevated blood pressure), is a known risk factor for strokes. It is known that patients who experience strokes and TIAs as a result of elevated blood pressure have an increased risk of vascular dementia. Efforts to reduce blood pressure early on may decrease the risk of vascular dementia later in life. 

Medical records of 11,114 patients with vascular dementia were included in this study. The authors studied the patient records for 7 years leading up to their diagnosis. The aim was to assess if elevated blood pressure lead to the onset of this condition later in life.

The patients were split into groups depending on age; 30-50 years old, 51-70 years old and 71-90 years old.

The results show that for every 20 mm Hg increase in systolic blood pressure the risk for vascular dementia increased by 62% in 30-50 year olds and 26% in 51-70 year olds. There was no link between increased blood pressure and risk of vascular dementia seen in 71-90 year olds. The authors also concluded that strokes and TIAs increased the risk of vascular dementia by 30%.

This study concluded that patients under the age of 70 with elevated blood pressure have a higher risk of experiencing vascular dementia later in life.  

A number of criteria had to be met for patients to be included in this study.

Consult with your physician for advice on how to manage hypertension.