Blood pressure drugs 'could lower dementia risk'
15 years, 9 months ago
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Posted on Jul 07, 2008, 8 p.m.
By Jeanelle Topping
A new study has suggested that keeping blood pressure low during middle-age could reduce the chance of people suffering from dementia when older.
A new study has suggested that keeping blood pressure low during middle-age could reduce the chance of people suffering from dementia when older.
According to medical experts, drugs which are used to keep blood pressure down can reduce the risk of dementia by 13 per cent.
In a report to be published in the Lancet, researchers at Imperial College in London said high blood pressure was found to be linked to elderly patients with dementia.
Although the reasons behind this increased risk is unknown, it was shown that those who were treated for high blood pressure reduce the chance of getting certain types of dementia.
Speaking to the BBC, Rebecca Wood from the Alzheimer's Research Trust, said the study was an "exciting development".
Professor Clive Ballard, director of research, Alzheimer's Society, told the Telegraph: "Treating people's high blood pressure to best practice standards is vital.
"Only half of people over 65 receive effective treatment, yet we know treatment works."
He added that in the US, marketing campaigns and thorough treatment had slashed cardio-vascular disease by 60 per cent.
