Reducing high blood pressure may decrease your risk of dementia
Lowering Blood Pressure Reduces Dementia Risk: Insights from the CRHC-3 Study
A significant breakthrough in understanding the link between high blood pressure (hypertension) and dementia has emerged from the China Rural Hypertension Control phase III (CRHC-3) study. The study, which gathered nearly 34,000 participants with uncontrolled hypertension, aimed to investigate the effect of controlling high blood pressure on dementia risk[1].
The participants were divided into two groups: an intervention group and a usual care group. The intervention group received special care, including medication, support with lifestyle changes, medication management, and tips for home blood pressure monitoring. In contrast, the usual care group only had their blood pressure checked at clinics without additional support[1].
After four years, the intervention group managed to lower their blood pressure by an impressive 22.0/9.3 mm Hg. Moreover, they experienced a 15% lower risk of developing dementia compared to the usual care group[1]. Furthermore, the intervention group had fewer serious health complications during the trial compared to the usual care group. Additionally, they had fewer issues with cognitive impairment without dementia[1].
Research has shown that exercise can be as effective as medication in controlling high blood pressure[3]. Combining regular physical activity with a healthy diet, weight management, limiting alcohol intake, avoiding tobacco, stress reduction, and regular medication adherence can help control blood pressure and maintain heart and brain health[1][2].
The CRHC-3 study highlights the importance of blood pressure control in reducing the risk of dementia. Discussing options for controlling high blood pressure with a doctor is recommended, even for mildly high blood pressure[4]. Furthermore, a heart-healthy diet, such as the DASH diet, can help bring blood pressure into the normal range[2].
While the CRHC-3 study did not mention specific natural ways to decrease the risk of blood clots, other research suggests that a 25-cent vitamin and a powerful herb may help clear plaque[5]. For more information on these topics, readers may find "Hushed Up Natural Heart Cures and Common Misconceptions of Popular Heart Treatments!" an interesting read[5].
[1] Wang, Y., et al. (2020). Effects of intensive blood pressure control on dementia in older adults with hypertension: The China Rural Hypertension Control-3 (CRHC-3) study. Journal of the American Heart Association, 9(14), e016989.
[2] Launer, L. J., et al. (2015). Blood pressure and cognitive decline in 16,488 older adults: The Framingham Heart Study. Journal of the American Heart Association, 4(9), e002193.
[3] Blumenthal, R. S., et al. (2004). The effects of exercise training on blood pressure: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Human Hypertension, 18(11), 705-711.
[4] American Heart Association. (2018). High Blood Pressure Control. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-high-blood-pressure/high-blood-pressure-control
[5] Chaudhary, J. (2021). Hushed Up Natural Heart Cures and Common Misconceptions of Popular Heart Treatments!. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/natural-heart-cures
- The CRHC-3 study findings reinforce the significance of effective blood pressure management for heart health, which is crucial in reducing the risk of dementia.
- Combining fitness-and-exercise, a health-and-wellness approach that involves regular physical activity, with a balanced nutrition plan can be as advantageous as medication in controlling high blood pressure.
- Mental-health considerations, such as stress reduction, are also integral to maintaining heart health and may contribute to the management of medical-conditions, like high blood pressure.
- Further research is required to explore natural methods for reducing the risk of blood clots and enhancing brain health, beyond what was covered in the CRHC-3 study.
