Anyone who suffers from hypertension between the ages of 20 and 50 is at risk of brain damage as they age. This is proven by a new study conducted by scientists at the College of Neurology in London, Great Britain. High blood pressure in midlife can damage the blood vessels in the brain after just a few years and significantly increase the risk of later dementia. Due to brain damage, some people may even experience epileptic seizures as they age.
High blood pressure in midlife is particularly dangerous
More than 500 subjects took part in the study. The researchers measured their blood pressure, brain scans were carried out regularly, and the participants were tested for Alzheimer's and dementia. The scientists wanted to test whether the brains of healthy people shrink less as they age than those of other peoplewith high blood pressure. After comparing the patient records with the test results, they were able to determine that, in fact, in people with hypertension, blood vessels became severely damaged after the age of 40, leading to changes in brain structure later in life. These subjects suffered more mini-strokes after the age of 60 and, as a result, had an increased risk of dementia. High blood pressure between 40 and 50 years of age was considered to be particularly dangerous. The researchers explained again in their report that high blood pressure leads to brain changes in young people (between 20 and 30 years old).
The problem should be treated early
If high blood pressure is brought under control early in young people, dementia can be prevented later in life. The scientists therefore recommend that family doctors regularly measure their patients' blood pressure from the age of 40. The earlier hypertension is diagnosed and treated, the better. In most cases, young people do not need to take medication, but can simply change their diet. In older patients, it is often necessary to take certain medications to permanently regulate blood pressure.
To theCollege of Neurology studyin London, UK
