High blood pressure as the main danger: How to reduce your risk of dementia!

High blood pressure as the main danger: How to reduce your risk of dementia!

The number of people suffering from dementia in Germany is constantly increasing. There are currently around 1.8 million people affected, and forecasts suggest that this number could rise to 2.8 million by 2050. This dangerous development affects both older and younger people and highlights the importance of learning more about the risk factors for this disease.

One of the most significant challenges is supporting one's brain function to reduce the risk of dementia. Researchers at the Alzheimer's Research Initiative emphasize that while some risk factors such as age and genetics are unchangeable, others - such as lifestyle choices - can be actively influenced. The risk can be reduced through a healthy diet, enough exercise and social contacts.

The role of high blood pressure

Particularly prominent among the identified risk factors is high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Elevated blood pressure levels have a devastating impact on brain health, according to a comprehensive analysis of 27 studies that evaluated data over 68 years. The researchers found that high blood pressure is the biggest risk factor for developing dementia.

High blood pressure belongs to the group of cardiovascular diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels. Naaheed Mukadam, psychiatrist and lead author of the study in question, emphasizes how essential it is to consider cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure in the prevention of dementia. A healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and avoiding alcohol and cigarettes can significantly reduce the risk.

Other risk factors and prevention

European research has also found that additional factors such as diabetes, obesity, smoking and education level can increase the risk of dementia. Identification of these additional risks is crucial for the development of prevention strategies. Scientists are convinced that up to 45 percent of all dementia cases worldwide could be prevented or delayed. Therefore, education and preventive health promotion are of great importance at the individual level.

The Alzheimer's Research Initiative has summarized some preventive measures that can help people minimize their risk. These include, among other things, leading an active lifestyle, maintaining social contacts and regular medical monitoring of risk factors such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

In summary, prevention of dementia not only affects the individual but also plays a crucial role in society. By making people realize the importance of a healthy lifestyle and the risks associated with high blood pressure and other factors, we can hopefully reduce the alarming dementia statistics in the coming years.