Hypertension, more commonly referred to as high blood pressure, is a serious condition. It is often called a silent killer as it takes millions of lives globally, and several people go undiagnosed for the condition. According to the World Health Organization, high blood pressure causes 7.5 million deaths around the globe. This condition can eventually progress and lead to serious health problems such as cardiovascular illnesses, stroke, renal failure, or even blindness. However, one of the least studied effect of untreated hypertension is its impact on dementia and Alzheimer’s pathology. In the past, studies have demonstrated that failure to manage high blood pressure is a significant risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s and this indeed opens another longevity compartment. Know more about more about this hypertension complication.

Complications of hypertension: How does it affect your brain?

Hypertension can lead to damage in the body, including injury to the brain. The sustained increase in blood pressure, makes blood vessels progressively incapacitate over time, causing the brain not to function properly. These vessels may become narrow, weak or broken down over time, due to the excessive pressure. This can make making functioning parts of the brain such as self-control, memory and thinking, largely impaired.

This injury is not limited to the brain. Blood vessels of major organs including the heart, kidneys, and even the eyes may also be affected in the long run and may bring about several health complications that may increase the risk for cognitive deterioration. It is crucial to understand that hypertension, if left untreated, not only endangers physical health but also impacts cognitive abilities.

Hypertension can lead to Alzheimer's disease. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

Hypertension may cause damage to the microvasculature, leading to low perfusion of the brain and hence, low oxygen levels essential for proper neuronal functionality. Studies including the one published in the Alzheimer's Research and Therapy found that excessive production of abnormal proteins, like the amyloid beta and phosphorylated tau, characters of Alzheimer’s disease.

Another emerging concern with hypertension is the chances of neuroinflammation, which occurs as the overaction of immunity cells in the brain leading to injury of the brain tissues.

Complications of hypertension: How does it lead to Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that slows down your memory and thinking skills. It is the most common type of dementia, especially in older adults. This disease accounts for the greatest proportion of all dementia and affects millions of individuals across the globe, according to the data by the World Health Organization. It is a progressive disease of the nervous system characterized by gradual ceaseless deterioration of the ability to perform normal daily activities.

A study published in the Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine also found that hypertension can increase the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, which can increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. There is still inadequate information to explain how hypertension explains the development of Alzheimer's disease. However, this has not stopped epidemiological studies from providing the direction of a relationship between these two susceptible states.

Older people having inadequate control of hypertension have higher rates of dementia (Alzheimer’s disease in particular), found a study published in JAMA Network. While it is important to note that not everyone with hypertension will develop Alzheimer’s, the link between the two conditions is strong enough to warrant attention.

How to prevent the complications of hypertension?

The key to avoiding complications of hypertension is to keep your blood pressure levels in check. Here are some ways to help you manage hypertension:

1. Consume MIND diet

The MIND diet is relatively new as it has elements derived from the Mediterranean diet combined with the DASH diet. It has a positive influence on the brain including averting dementia. A study published by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that people following a MIND diet can lower Alzheimer's disease by 53 percent. Such a diet recommends intake of vegetables, especially the leafy kind, berries, several kinds of nuts, cereals and whole grains, low-fat dairy products, fish, and poultry.

2. Get adequate sleep

To preserve and even improve brain functions, enough restful sleep is paramount. Lack of sleep or poor sleep quality has been associated with a higher chance of developing Alzheimer's disease. Such measures as sleep deprivation and/or ensuring good sleep for one or two nights a week are also effective in controlling high blood pressure and memory aspects, at the same time.

3. Quit smoking and limit alcohol

Smoking and heavy drinking are the major reasons for an increase in blood pressure as well as the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. If one stops these habits, the health of that person will improve dramatically and the chances of occurrence of cognitive difficulties will also decrease.

4. Maintain a healthy weight

Excess body fat puts pressure on the heart and the blood vessels resulting in elevated blood pressure. Having a balanced diet and exercising regularly throughout the latter part of one’s life may eliminate hypertension surge in even promote brain health.

5. Reduce salt intake

A high intake of salt can help you lower your blood pressure and reduce the risk of problems associated with it such as Alzheimer's disease. According to the data from the World Health Organization, adults should consume less than 2 grams of sodium per day, which means you should eat less than 5 grams of salt if you want to keep your blood pressure levels and associated complications in check.

Reduce your salt intake if you want to keep your blood sugar levels in check! Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

Other measures you should take!

• Hypertension with better detection and monitoring may help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
• Hypertension should be diagnosed early, and once diagnosed you should undertake lifestyle changes that will help manage it.
• You can also take prescribed medication if needed to treat hypertension so that the blood vessels are not harmed, which will help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
• Some blood pressure medications have shown potential neuroprotective properties and Newer drug delivery developments could potentially benefit both HTN and AD in the future.

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