In a nutshell
This review examined the damage caused to the brain by hypertension, and the role hypertension plays in the development of strokes, cognitive impairment and alzheimer’s disease.
Some background
High blood pressure (hypertension; HTN) is known to be an important risk factor in the development of strokes. The effects of hypertension on cognitive impairment (reduced higher brain function), alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dementia (impairments in memory and cognitive function) have recently become the focus of medical research. This study reviewed the mechanisms by which HTN can lead to strokes and dementia, and whether preventative measures and therapies can lessen the impact of HTN on the brain.
Methods & findings
HTN causes changes to the structure of the blood vessels in the brain as the vessels try to adapt to the increased pressure. These changes can lead to ruptures and bleeding within the brain (strokes), and is a major cause of cognitive impairments.
Research has shown that HTN in midlife doubles the risk of developing AD and is significantly associated with accelerated dementia. Patients with HTN show higher levels of beta-amyloid plaques, which represent an accumulation of proteins in the brain known to be involved in the development of AD. However, more research is needed to understand the exact mechanisms by which HTN leads to AD.
Treatment of HTN is known to decrease the risk of strokes, but it is still unclear whether treatments can decrease the risk of cognitive impairments and AD. In this review, no specific HTN treatment has been shown to be consistently effective at decreasing the rate of cognitive impairments and dementia among hypertensive patients.
The bottom line
HTN has been shown to play a large role in the development of AD and dementia, in addition to increasing the risk of strokes. More research is needed to determine the best treatment to reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment in hypertensive patients.
What’s next?
Consult with your physician regarding the risk of cognitive damage caused by hypertension.
Published By :
Hypertension
Date :
Aug 26, 2013
