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Last Updated: May 15, 2020
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Know The Association Between Hypertension And Dementia!

Dr. GarimaGeneral Physician • 3 Years Exp.MNAMS (Membership of the National Academy) (Ophthalmology)
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Dementia is a progressive medical condition in which functioning of the brain declines. It is commonly seen in elderly population and can be of two types - alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VAD). Signs of dementia appear slowly and keep getting worse with time because of the damage caused to brain cells. Some of the signs of dementia are:

  • Short-term memory loss

  • Confusion

  • Problems with speaking and understanding

  • Loss of control over senses

  • Loss of motor skills like grip, walking or standing straight

  • Disorientation

What is the link between hypertension and dementia?

High blood pressure is a chronic condition, in which blood vessels and arteries are damaged and narrowed. It results in poor blood flow, impacting the functioning of all the organs including that of brain. If your brain doesn’t receive the required amount of oxygen and blood, it results in damage to neurons, brain cells. Gradually these damaged cells start to die. These damaged and dead cells, impact your memory, thinking, language skills and senses, resulting in dementia.

Risk factors for dementia

Hypertension in the early 40s increases the risk of developing dementia. Other than hypertension, following risk factors increase the risk of dementia:

How can you prevent vascular dementia?

Any damage that happens to brain cells is irreversible and the process can only be delayed, but can’t be reversed. Therefore, a proper treatment can slow the speed of brain damage. Other than the medical treatment, adopting a healthy lifestyle can also help in reducing your risk of developing dementia. Some of the changes that you can consider are:

  • Keeping a check on blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol levels

  • Eating healthy

  • Daily exercise

  • Not skipping your medications

  • Avoiding smoking

  • Maintaining a healthy weight

Hypertension increases the risk of dementia, but other than that there are many risk factors that can lead to dementia. You should consult your doctor, to check if you are at a risk of developing dementia.

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