High blood pressure raises odds for Alzheimer's disease- study

A recent study published in Neurology reveals that untreated high blood pressure increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by 42 per cent. Alzheimer’s is a brain disorder characterised by memory loss, confusion, and impaired daily functioning due to damaged brain cells, and is notably influenced by hypertension.

The study highlights that 46 per cent of people worldwide are unaware they have high blood pressure. Researchers from the University of New South Wales emphasise that untreated hypertension significantly raises Alzheimer’s risk compared to those who manage their blood pressure with medication.

Analyzing data from over 31,000 participants aged around 72 from 14 countries, the study found that 9 per cent had untreated hypertension, 51 per cent were on hypertension medication, 36 per cent had normal blood pressure, and 4 per cent had uncertain status.

The findings show that untreated hypertension is associated with a 36 per cent increased risk of Alzheimer’s compared to those with normal blood pressure. This risk rises to 42 per cent when compared to individuals managing their hypertension with medication.

Lead researcher Matthew J. Lennon, MD, PhD, stressed the importance of blood pressure management to potentially reduce Alzheimer’s risk, although he noted that the difference in risk between those with treated hypertension and those without was not statistically significant.

"Untreated hypertension significantly increases the risk of other types of dementia, such as vascular, frontotemporal, and Lewy body dementia. However, proper medication use effectively eliminates this heightened risk," said Lennon.

Experts like Dr Cheng-Han Chen and Dr Andrew Freeman stress the broader implications of these findings, highlighting that hypertension affects various organ systems, including the brain. Dr Freeman noted that high blood pressure impacts overall brain function and increases the risk of multiple chronic conditions.

The study, which spanned diverse countries, underscores the importance of managing blood pressure globally, particularly in regions where chronic illness management is less developed.

Researchers hope these findings will encourage more proactive discussions between doctors and patients about controlling blood pressure to mitigate dementia risk.

The study did not find significant differences in blood pressure control and Alzheimer’s risk among different sexes or racial groups. People with untreated high blood pressure had a 110 per cent higher risk of vascular dementia compared to those without hypertension, and a 71 per cent higher risk compared to those with treated high blood pressure. However, these results did not achieve statistical significance due to the small sample size and confounding factors.

Experts advise that one of the major pitfalls in managing hypertension is the failure to consistently take prescribed medications. Proper blood pressure control is essential for reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s and other chronic diseases.

Alzheimer’s disease, is the most common form of dementia. Dementia is an umbrella term used to refer to a condition that causes serious memory and thinking problems, making everyday tasks difficult.

Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, progresses through three main stages:

Early Stage: Characterised by memory lapses, such as forgetting recent conversations, misplacing items, struggling with names, and having difficulty finding words. Mood changes like anxiety and confusion are also common.

Middle Stage: Memory issues worsen, making it difficult to recognise familiar people and causing significant confusion and disorientation. Symptoms may include obsessive behaviour, delusions, language problems, mood swings, and hallucinations, requiring assistance with daily activities.

Late Stage: Symptoms become severe, with pronounced hallucinations and delusions, aggressive or suspicious behaviour, and significant difficulties with eating, swallowing, moving, and maintaining personal hygiene. Full-time care is usually needed.

Hypertension in Kenya

According to the Ministry of Health, globally, 30 per cent of individuals are living with hypertension. In Kenya, the prevalence is 24 per cent, with about 78 per cent of those diagnosed not receiving treatment.

The rising burden of hypertension is attributed to unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, and excessive use of alcohol and tobacco. Hypertension is a major contributor to cardiovascular diseases, which are the second leading cause of death in Kenya. Often referred to as a "silent killer," hypertension is frequently diagnosed only after complications have already developed.

Effective management of hypertension includes screening, early identification, and prompt initiation of treatment. However, approximately 44 per cent of health facilities in Kenya cannot diagnose and treat hypertension, according to the Kenya Health Facility Assessment 2018.

The government has prioritised hypertension and cardiovascular diseases as key non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in its strategic plan, aiming to reduce premature mortality due to NCDs, including hypertension, by one-third.