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4d ago

Intensive Blood Pressure Control Proven to Reduce Dementia Risk

A landmark trial in rural China shows a 15% reduction in dementia and 16% lower cognitive impairment risk through aggressive hypertension management.

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Participating in community activities and regular exercise are crucial to lowering dementia risk.
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Close-up of a tonometer with digital readings of pulse, heartbeat, blood pressure, medical concept, emphasis on the numbers of the tonometer, the woman's face is not visible.

Overview

  • A Nature Medicine trial involving nearly 34,000 participants in rural China provides the first causal evidence linking intensive blood pressure control to reduced dementia risk.
  • The intervention group, managed by non-physician community health workers, achieved a blood pressure target below 130/80 mmHg, compared to 140/90 mmHg in the standard care group.
  • After four years, the intensive treatment group saw a 15% lower incidence of all-cause dementia and a 16% reduction in mild cognitive impairment compared to the control group.
  • Participants in the intensive care group used an average of three antihypertensive medications, coupled with lifestyle coaching and home monitoring, highlighting the role of accessible community healthcare.
  • Researchers advocate for global adoption of intensive hypertension management to curb the growing dementia burden, while further studies are needed to assess long-term benefits beyond four years.