High blood pressure as the main risk factor: prevent dementia in good time!

High blood pressure as the main risk factor: prevent dementia in good time!

In Germany, more and more people are suffering from dementia, an incurable nerve disease that has a serious impact on the lives of those affected. There are currently 1.8 million citizens living with this condition, and projections suggest that this number could increase to 2.8 million by 2050. In view of this alarming development, the causes and risk factors for dementia are increasingly the focus of scientific research.

A major study conducted at University College London aims to identify the biggest risk factor for dementia. By analyzing 27 different studies from a period of 68 years (1947 to 2015), the research team came to interesting results. The results were published in The Lancet Public Health and show that, in addition to genetic predispositions, several lifestyle and health factors can increase the risk of developing dementia.

Key risk factors for dementia

The researchers were able to identify a total of five key risk factors that increase the risk of the neurodegenerative disease. This includes:

• Diabetes
• Fettleibigkeit
• Bluthochdruck
• Rauchen
• Bildungsniveau

Of these factors, one in particular stands out: high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, has been identified as the biggest risk factor for dementia. This shows how important it is to take care of your own heart health to reduce your risk of this condition.

According to Naaheed Mukadam, a psychiatrist and lead author of the study, cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure should be given special attention in future prevention measures to avoid dementia. A healthy cardiovascular system plays a critical role in overall brain health and can potentially help prevent the progression of dementia.

The importance of education and prevention

The results of this study highlight the urgent need to raise awareness of the risk factors of dementia. It is particularly important to educate people about the consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle, which includes excessive alcohol consumption and cigarette consumption. By changing personal habits, people may be able to significantly help minimize their risk of dementia.

However, it is important to note that this information is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. Individual health questions should always be discussed with a doctor or other professional.

At a time when the increase in dementia cases in society is becoming increasingly important, it is crucial to correctly classify the research results and to adequately inform the public. This is the only way we can fight this challenge together and help improve the quality of life of those affected.