A high pulse pressure index increases the risk of developing dementia.
Normal blood pressure indicators may help to determine the risk of developing dementia in advance. This conclusion was reached by researchers who found that certain parameters of vascular condition, calculated based on measurements of pressure and pulse, can indicate an increased likelihood of cognitive impairments. The results of the study were presented at the annual scientific session of the American College of Cardiology (ACC.26).
Scientists analyzed data from 8,536 adults over the age of 50 with hypertension who participated in the large SPRINT study. During the observation period, 323 participants encountered probable dementia. The analysis showed that a higher pulse pressure index and heart rate were associated with a significantly higher risk of developing dementia or mild cognitive impairment.
Each increase in this indicator was accompanied by approximately a 76% rise in risk. Researchers also found that individuals with faster vascular aging, reflected in the increased calculated pulse wave velocity, developed dementia significantly more often.
According to the scientists, such indicators can be calculated based on routine blood pressure measurements during a doctor's visit. This means that doctors can identify an increased risk of dementia long before the first symptoms appear and recommend measures for pressure control and lifestyle improvement, which may help protect brain health.
