• A new study has found a link between high blood pressure and Alzheimer’s risk.
• People with untreated high blood pressure were at greater risk for the disease.
• High blood pressure can damage the brain over time, leading to cognitive decline.
• Medications, diet, exercise, and stress reduction can help blood pressure.
• Keeping your mind active and maintaining social ties can protect against Alzheimer’s.

A new study published online on August 14, 2024, in Neurology found that people ages 60 and above with untreated high blood pressure may be at greater risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

This was in comparison with individuals whose high blood pressure was currently being treated or had been treated in the past. A comparison was also made with people without high blood pressure.

Alzheimer’s disease affects nearly 7 million people in the U.S. alone, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, and it is the most common type of dementia, making up an estimated 60% to 80% of cases.

People who have Alzheimer’s disease experience problems with memory and cognition that are severe enough to interfere with their daily lives. Aging is its number one risk factor.

The study’s goal was to examine how untreated high blood pressure affects people’s risk of this very common disease.

Untreated high blood pressure linked to Alzheimer’s risk

For the study, the research team examined data from more than 31,000 people. The average age of the study participants was 72.

During an average follow-up period of four years, a little over 1,400 of them went on to develop Alzheimer’s disease.

After looking at various factors — such as blood pressure readings, high blood pressure diagnosis, and whether people used medications to treat their blood pressure — the team found that 9% were not treating their condition, 51% were using medications, 36% did not have high blood pressure, and 4% were not sure of their status.

After adjusting for any other factors that could influence the outcome, it was found that untreated high blood pressure was associated with a 36% increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease compared to those who did not have high blood pressure.

Additionally, the group had a 42% increased risk for Alzheimer’s when they were compared with those who were treating their high blood pressure with medications.

Per the study authors, this implies that treating high blood pressure as you age could play a vital role in reducing your Alzheimer’s risk.

How high blood pressure might increase Alzheimer’s risk

John Lowe, MD, a physician at Restore Care, who was not involved in the study, explained how high blood pressure (hypertension) might be associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

“Hypertension can cause injury to the brain’s blood vessels, especially the tiny ones, and this may lead to inadequate blood supply to important parts of the brain,” he said.

When the brain does not get enough blood, this can lead to decreased functioning, which may manifest as cognitive decline, according to Lowe.

“Another thing is that high blood pressure is a risk factor for vascular dementia, which can occur alongside Alzheimer’s disease and make it worse,” he said.

How to reduce your blood pressure

John Higgins, MD, a professor and cardiologist at UTHealth Houston, who was also not involved in the study, pointed to several steps besides using medications that can reduce your elevated blood pressure.

One is to reduce your salt intake. Higgins advises looking into the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet. However, a plant-based or Mediterranean diet can also be good, he said.

To make things easier, you’ll want to remove the saltshaker from your table and check nutrition labels so you can remove high-salt foods from your diet.

Potassium can also help lower blood pressure, so you can try using salt substitutes, which contain potassium, to bring down your sodium intake.

However, you’ll want to check with your doctor first since potassium can be problematic for those with conditions like kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, and diabetes.

Higgins also suggests eating grilled or steamed food rather than smoked, processed, or fried since they will contain less salt.

Additionally, he advises getting enough exercise. Aim for ≥150 minutes per week, he said.

Also, breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga are all great ways to reduce your stress, according to Higgins.

How to reduce your risk for Alzheimer’s disease

“Alzheimer’s disease reduction is multidimensional and requires addressing numerous lifestyle and health factors,” said Lowe.

Among the factors you’ll want to consider are:

Cognitive stimulation. “Participating in mentally engaging activities such as puzzles, reading, and acquiring new skills may help create a cognitive reserve that could postpone symptoms of Alzheimer’s,” he said.

Physical activity. Lowe noted that exercise can pull double duty, helping with blood pressure management and overall brain health. “It boosts blood flow toward the brain, and in this way, it can reduce amyloid plaque burden,” he explained.

Heart health. Lowe said that managing your cardiovascular risk factors—like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol — also plays a part in protecting your brain and reducing your risk of Alzheimer’s.

Healthy diet. “Eating a diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and low saturated fats may lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s,” he said, noting that the Mediterranean diet, which is high in these nutrients, has been found to protect against cognitive decline.

Social engagement. “Keeping strong social ties with others while participating in activities together helps improve mental health, which may then bring down the risk of developing Alzheimer’s,” Lowe concluded.

Takeaway

A new study has found that untreated high blood pressure was associated with an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

Experts say that over time, high blood pressure can cause damage, leading to decreased circulation in the brain. This puts people at risk for cognitive decline and dementia.

In addition to taking prescribed medications, people can make lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising, and managing stress to help reduce their risk of high blood pressure.

Protecting against Alzheimer’s requires being aware of and managing the many factors that influence its risk. In addition to eating a healthy diet, exercising, and managing your cardiovascular risk factors, keeping your mind active and remaining socially engaged can help stave off dementia.