A recent meta-analysis conducted by researchers at the University of New South Wales in Australia has revealed that older adults with untreated high blood pressure are at a significantly higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
The study, published in Neurology, found that people aged 60 and older with untreated hypertension had a 36% higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s compared to those without high blood pressure and a 42% higher risk compared to those who were managing their condition with medication.
“High blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke and cerebrovascular disease, and yet it can be controlled with medication, reducing a person’s risk of these diseases,” said Matthew J. Lennon, PhD, the study’s lead author.
“Taking blood pressure medications has also been found in previous research to reduce a person’s risk of dementias overall, but less is known about how blood pressure affects a person’s risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Our meta-analysis looked at older people and found that not treating blood pressure may indeed increase a person’s risk.”
The meta-analysis included data from 31,250 participants across 14 studies conducted in various countries, including the United States, Australia, and several European and Asian nations. The participants, with an average age of 72, were followed for an average of four years, during which 1,415 developed Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers analyzed blood pressure measurements, high blood pressure diagnoses, and the use of antihypertensive medications among the participants.
After adjusting for factors such as age, sex, and education, the study found that untreated high blood pressure was strongly associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
“Our meta-analysis that included people from around the world found that taking blood pressure medications was associated with decreased risk of Alzheimer’s disease throughout later life,” said Lennon. “These results suggest that treating high blood pressure as a person ages continues to be a crucial factor in reducing their risk of Alzheimer’s disease.”
While the study shows a strong association between untreated hypertension and Alzheimer’s risk, it does not establish causation. Nonetheless, the results highlight the need for continued research and clinical focus on hypertension management as a potential strategy for preventing Alzheimer’s and other dementias in aging populations.
As the global population continues to age, addressing the risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease remains a significant public health challenge. This study adds to the growing body of evidence that managing high blood pressure could be a key component in reducing the burden of Alzheimer’s disease in older adults.
