Almost half of Americans are on medication for high blood pressure. HBP can affect the blood flow and damage blood vessels in the brain, raising the risk for brain injury and dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there is hope that certain blood pressure drugs can help maintain healthy brain functions.
The National Institute on Aging has funded research to help identity which medications are most beneficial for cognition. Studies in six countries (Canada, Australia, Ireland, Germany, Japan, and the USA) indicate older adults taking blood pressure meds that infuse the blood- brain barrier (BBB) had better memory recall for up to three years compared to those taking meds that do not infuse the BBB. But blood pressure drugs that didn’t infuse the blood brain barrier created better attention skills. These studies are important in helping doctors prescribe BP medications based on the patient’s age, health, and risks. Doctors still agree to live a heart-healthy life by exercising regularly, eating a nutritious diet, controlling stress, managing weight, and stop smoking.
So if you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, you may want to discuss this study with your doctor
Source: American Heart Association, Alzheimer’s Association, Web MD, Association, National Institute on Aging