New Alzheimer’s Study Shows Connection Between the Two
By The Alzheimer’s Association as reported by Heidi Frankel~
This year at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) the findings of a new study provide important and relevant information on the correlation of MCI and dementia and high blood pressure.
The following points address the results of the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) study and the benefits of management of cardiovascular risk factors.
What is SPRINT?
SPRINT is a randomized clinical trial that compared two strategies for managing high blood pressure (hypertension) in older adults.
Blood Pressure Correlates with Dementia
The study shows intensive blood pressure control reduces risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and the combined risk of MCI and dementia.
Reducing Blood Pressure Is Linked to Lower Risk of Dementia
Significant reductions in the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and the combination of MCI and dementia have been shown for the first time through aggressive lowering of systolic blood pressure and is the first randomized clinical trial to demonstrate a reduction in new cases of MCI alone and the combined risk of MCI plus all-cause dementia.
Strong Evidence Links Blood Pressure Control to Reducing Risk of MCI/Dementia
The results of this large-scale, long-term clinical trial provide the strongest evidence to date linking reducing risk of MCI and dementia through the treatment of high blood pressure, which is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease worldwide.
To reduce new cases of MCI and dementia globally, we must do everything we can — as professionals and individuals — to reduce blood pressure to the levels indicated in this study which we know is beneficial to cardiovascular risk.
Other studies of population data have suggested reductions in new cases of dementia in developed Western cultures. These lower rates of dementia may be occurring as these societies have begun to improve control of cardiovascular health risk factors through medication management, reduced smoking and greater awareness of healthy lifestyle.
For more information visit www.alz.org/greaterdallas
