Link Between High Blood Pressure And Alzheimer s

High blood pressure can lead to heart problems later is a well-known fact. What researchers have also found is that it can even lead to brain degeneration leading to Alzheimer’s.

When does high blood pressure occur?

High blood pressure or hypertension occurs when blood flows inside your blood vessels with excessive force. This stresses both the heart and the blood vessels, eventually leading to long-term health complications.

The force of the blood damages the delicate tissues in the arteries. The bad cholesterol then starts to accumulate in the small tears along the artery walls, narrowing the artery passage. Blood pressure also goes up when the arteries become narrow.

The link between high blood pressure and Alzheimer’s

High blood pressure can lead to plaque formation and tangles in the brain – both indicators of Alzheimer’s disease.

A study published in the journal of Neurology showed that people with high blood pressure had a significantly large amount of brain dead tissue than their peers. The cause was a stroke, tangles, and plaque.

Researchers have attributed the tangles and plaque to inadequate blood flow to the brain. Few of them also added that protein breakdown in the body releases toxic substances in the body that influence neurons in the brain.

How can you control high blood pressure?

Uncontrolled high blood pressure makes you vulnerable to serious health problems. Thus, you have to adopt methods to deal with it as early as possible.

Consult a doctor and don’t forget to take your medications. It has been found that those who take their blood pressure medications regularly showed a less cognitive decline.

You should also –

• Exercise daily, be it cardio, yoga or weight training. If these are difficult then simply brisk walking will do.
• Cut out salt from your diet. Sodium increases blood pressure
• Stay away from alcohol and smoking
• Avoid processed foods that are high in fat
• Add plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet
• Reduce the amount of carbohydrates you are consuming because obesity also increases the chances of high blood pressure

Although high blood pressure may lead to Alzheimer’s, you can bring down the risk of cognitive decline by following a healthy lifestyle.