Controlling Blood Pressure May Reduce Dementia Risk by 7 Percent

A study published in JAMA found that treating high blood pressure also may reduce risk for dementia or cognitive impairment later on, reports United Press International . Treatment with beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and angiotensin II receptor blockers reduces the probability of developing dementia by more than 7 percent, and certain types of cognitive decline by more than 20 percent. All 12 studies reviewed by the researchers reported the incidence of dementia in their subject populations, while eight documented cognitive decline and eight recorded changes in cognitive test scores. Reducing blood pressure with prescription medication lowered dementia risk by 7 percent or cognitive impairment by 7.5 percent over a minimum of four years. Moreover, eight of the listed studies found that effective blood pressure control reduced risk for cognitive decline by slightly more than 20 percent. "This is a very relevant message for people who want to know how they can age successfully and live independently for as long as they can," said Galway University Hospital's Michelle Canavan.