Study Finds Link Between Lower Blood Pressure and Reduced Dementia Risk

A new large-scale study has uncovered a notable connection between intensive blood pressure control and a lower risk of developing dementia, suggesting that managing hypertension may offer significant cognitive benefits in addition to its well-known cardiovascular advantages, FOX News reports.

Conducted by researchers at First Hospital of China Medical University, the study involved nearly 34,000 adults over the age of 40 living in rural China, all of whom had uncontrolled high blood pressure. Published in Nature Medicine, the trial found that participants who received “intensive blood pressure control” were 15% less likely to develop dementia and 16% less likely to experience cognitive impairment compared to those receiving standard care.

Participants were split into two groups: one received usual medical care, while the other was treated by trained non-physician healthcare providers who adjusted antihypertensive medications to meet specific targets. The goal was to achieve a systolic blood pressure under 130 mmHg and a diastolic pressure under 80 mmHg.

“The primary outcome of all-cause dementia was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the usual care group,” the researchers reported.

This group also experienced fewer serious adverse events, according to the findings.

Dr. Bradley Serwer, an interventional cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, praised the study for its unique approach, particularly in its use of non-physicians to manage blood pressure in rural settings. While he was not involved in the research, Serwer said it highlights the importance of addressing cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension not only for heart health, but also for potential protection against cognitive decline.

However, the study did have limitations, including the lack of baseline and follow-up cognitive assessments. Dr. Serwer noted that understanding the prevalence of specific types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, would help further clarify the results.

The medications used to lower blood pressure—primarily calcium channel blockers and angiotensin receptor blockers—have been previously linked to cognitive protection. This raises the possibility that their benefit may extend beyond simply reducing blood pressure.

The study is among the first randomized, controlled trials to demonstrate a significant reduction in dementia risk through aggressive blood pressure management. It was funded by the National Key Research and Development Program of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, the Chinese Society of Cardiology Foundation, and the Science and Technology Program of Liaoning Province.

Experts say the findings reinforce the broader health benefits of managing high blood pressure.

“By prioritizing blood pressure control, as well as addressing cholesterol, smoking, and physical inactivity, we can not only prevent heart disease and stroke but potentially enhance long-term brain health and quality of life,” said Dr. Serwer.