A lot of ailments are interconnected; if you have one, you may be susceptible to another. Find how high blood pressure may be linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
Quick Summary
- High blood pressure may damage the brain, leading to Alzheimer’s.
- Those with high blood pressure may develop tangles and plaques in the brain, indicating Alzheimer’s onset.
- If you have high BP, it is crucial to control it with medication and lifestyle changes. This may help reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
A growing body of research suggests a link between high blood pressure and Alzheimer’s disease. Some studies have shown that those with high BP are at a higher risk for developing Alzheimer’s.
Many older adults with hypertension may have tangles and plaques in the brain. As a result, it may be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease.
While the link between the two diseases is not yet fully understood, it is an important area of research that could lead to new ways to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s. Keep reading to learn about the link between high blood pressure and Alzheimer’s disease.
Contents
Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a kind of dementia that causes problems with thinking, memory, and behaviour. It’s the most common form of dementia. Dementia is a condition that results from damage to the brain.
Alzheimer’s disease accounts for more than half of cases of dementia. The cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not known.
However, it’s thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some of the crucial risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease may include older age, family history of the disease, Down syndrome, and head injury.
Alzheimer’s disease symptoms include the following.
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Problems with speech and language
- Problems with movement and coordination
- Changes in mood and behaviour
The disease progresses gradually over time and eventually leads to death. There’s no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are treatments that can help to improve symptoms.
These treatments include medications, therapies, and lifestyle changes. Moreover, lowering blood pressure and keeping a check on it at home may also help.
What’s The Link Between High Blood Pressure And Alzheimer’s Disease?
There’s research-based evidence to suggest a link between high blood pressure and Alzheimer’s disease. One study concluded that people with high blood pressure were twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease as those with normal blood pressure.
The study also found that having high blood pressure earlier in life was linked with a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Exactly the link between high blood pressure and Alzheimer’s disease isn’t yet known, but scientists have some theories.
One theory is that high blood pressure may damage the blood vessels in the brain. It can lead to the death of brain cells and the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Another theory is that high blood pressure may trigger inflammation in the brain. This may also lead to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Whatever the link between high blood pressure and Alzheimer’s disease, it’s essential to be aware of it. If you have high BP, you may want to talk to your doctor about ways to lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Moreover, you may make lifestyle changes and include blood pressure-lowering supplements in your diet to manage your health.
How Can High Blood Pressure Be Prevented Or Treated?
Prevention is ideally the best cure for high blood pressure. There are many things you may do to help keep your blood pressure in check.
Some simple steps are eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight. If you have hypertension, it is essential to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
There are many medications and treatments available to help control high blood pressure. If you already have fluctuating blood pressure and take medicines for hypertension, monitor your BP closely with a reading chart.
Ways to control high blood pressure
As you know, there’s no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease; your best bet is to control high blood pressure.
Lose weight
Obesity and blood pressure are linked together, so losing weight may help. Exercise is a great way to lower blood pressure. Just 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day can make a big difference.
Try brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or biking. If you don’t really have time or access to a full workout, even just 10 minutes of activity can help to lower blood pressure.
Monitor blood pressure at home
You can take your blood pressure home using a home blood pressure monitor. Home blood pressure monitors are simple to use and give you accurate readings.
To get accurate readings, it’s essential to follow the instructions that come with your home blood pressure monitor.
Reduce stress
Manage your stress levels. Stress can cause your blood pressure to rise, so finding ways to relax and de-stress is essential. Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing are all amazing ways to calm the mind and body.
Cut back on salt
Try to cut back on your salt intake. Too much salt can cause your blood pressure to rise. Instead, opt for foods that are low in sodium or sodium-free. You can also try increasing your intake of potassium-rich foods, such as bananas, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes.
Conclusion
Currently, there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s disease and high blood pressure. You may only be able to manage high blood pressure. There’s a slight link between high BP and Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists are still researching to determine the exact connection between the two.
With the current information, it’s essential to be aware of the link between the two diseases and to talk to your health practitioner if you are concerned about your risk for Alzheimer’s.
Apart from this, know your family’s medical history to understand how likely you are to get these diseases. Make a point to monitor your health and the symptoms of high blood pressure. By staying proactive, you may be able to take control of your health and prevent other ailments.