New Delhi, April 21 – Treating high blood pressure may significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia and cognitive impairment, according to a large-scale clinical trial published in the prestigious journal Nature Medicine.

The study, conducted in rural China, found that managing hypertension could lower the risk of cognitive decline by 16 percent and dementia by 15 percent over a period of four years. These findings suggest a promising new avenue for dementia prevention, particularly in ageing populations.

Cognitive impairment, which affects memory, speech, and language abilities, often precedes dementia—a progressive neurological condition that severely impacts daily functioning and quality of life.

The phase 3 clinical trial involved nearly 34,000 participants over the age of 40 from 326 villages. In half of the villages, residents received active hypertension treatment, which included medications and lifestyle interventions such as dietary changes and increased physical activity. In the remaining villages, individuals continued with their usual care routines without added intervention.

Researchers observed that those who received consistent blood pressure management experienced a significantly lower incidence of cognitive issues compared to those who did not receive targeted treatment.

Experts believe that this study adds to growing evidence linking cardiovascular health to brain health. “Controlling blood pressure isn’t just about protecting the heart—it could also be key to protecting the mind,” one of the study’s authors noted.

With dementia cases expected to rise globally in the coming decades, these findings underscore the importance of accessible and preventive healthcare strategies, especially in low-resource settings.

The research highlights how even simple interventions—like monitoring blood pressure and promoting healthy habits—can have profound long-term effects on public health.

Blood Pressure Treatment May Reduce Risk of Dementia, New Study Finds

Treating high blood pressure may significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia and cognitive impairment, according to a large-scale clinical trial published in the prestigious journal Nature Medicine.

The study, conducted in rural China, found that managing hypertension could lower the risk of cognitive decline by 16 percent and dementia by 15 percent over a period of four years. These findings suggest a promising new avenue for dementia prevention, particularly in ageing populations.

Cognitive impairment, which affects memory, speech, and language abilities, often precedes dementia—a progressive neurological condition that severely impacts daily functioning and quality of life.

The phase 3 clinical trial involved nearly 34,000 participants over the age of 40 from 326 villages. In half of the villages, residents received active hypertension treatment, which included medications and lifestyle interventions such as dietary changes and increased physical activity. In the remaining villages, individuals continued with their usual care routines without added intervention.

Researchers observed that those who received consistent blood pressure management experienced a significantly lower incidence of cognitive issues compared to those who did not receive targeted treatment.

Experts believe that this study adds to growing evidence linking cardiovascular health to brain health. “Controlling blood pressure isn’t just about protecting the heart—it could also be key to protecting the mind,” one of the study’s authors noted.

With dementia cases expected to rise globally in the coming decades, these findings underscore the importance of accessible and preventive healthcare strategies, especially in low-resource settings.

The research highlights how even simple interventions—like monitoring blood pressure and promoting healthy habits—can have profound long-term effects on public health.