From this post you will know how
high blood pressure increases the risks of getting memory loss and other
cognitive problems; and how it may gradually lead to Alzheimer’s or other types
of dementia. You will also know about the importance of staying away from and
controlling high blood pressure. And finally you will get some introductory
insights into the dos and don'ts of high blood pressure control and prevention.
You can take this as a manual on the
relationship between high blood pressure and dementia from the Comfort Keepers;
for our loved seniors to ensure healthy aging for them.
Various studies including one in
Lancet Neurology has concluded that high blood pressure can gradually weaken
the nervous system and the brain by causing damage to the arteries and the
brain tissue in various ways. High blood pressure slowly affects the cognitive
system. Although at first the effects do not become noticeable with the onset
of declining years it suddenly becomes prominent and often may become too late
to take effective actions. Reports suggest that high blood pressure can even
make a brain prematurely age up to seven years earlier than the appropriate
time.
How High Blood Pressure Brings Cognitive Decline in Seniors
Our brain consists of two layers.
The outer layer, known as the cortex, is made up of grey matter and contains
brain cells that plays an important role in memory, perception, attention and
other cognitive functions. There’s another layer of white matter that contains
axons. Axons are sort of biological wires that transfer information from one
part of the brain to other areas. Studies have found out that blood pressure is
responsible for the damage in both the layers of the brain causing memory loss,
Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.
The process is quite apparent.
Due to high blood pressure the arteries become stiffened and it becomes very
problematic for the brain cells to get adequate nourishment. Often due to blood
pressure some mini strokes can occur that cause damage to the brain tissue.
These mini strokes gradually make the damage more dangerous which leads to more
severe strokes and more severe memory loss or dementia. This can also lead to
vascular dementia, the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer’s
disease.
Have Treatment as Early as Possible
The longer you remain with high
blood pressure the chances will become stronger for you to get cognitive
malfunctions. Therefore, the moment you get diagnosed with high blood pressure
you should start adopting adequate measures to have a grip over our blood
pressure. You have to make some positive lifestyle changes and will also have
to take some prescribed medication in this purpose.
Preventive Measures for High Blood Pressure
Healthy and balanced numbers for
blood pressure is 120/80. So, your target should be to always remain under
those healthy limits as preventing high blood pressure is much easier than
treating it.
In preventing high blood pressure
small lifestyle changes can go a long way. Here are some major such lifestyle
changes that you can adopt to prevent blood pressure.
●
Maintain a healthy body weight.
●
Eat a diet that is heart-friendly and contains lots of
fresh vegetables and fruits.
●
Have an eye on you salt intake. Be aware of the
processed foods.
●
Have regular physical exercise.
●
Have extremely limited amount of alcohol, if you have
to.
●
Quit smoking altogether, if you do.
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