Increase in blood pressure by 5-10 mm RT. Art. reduces the amount of gray matter in young people by 10%. This is evidenced by the results of cross-sectional studies presented in the scientific journal "Neurology".
Hypertension is a silent killer of a healthy mind
High blood pressure is a widely underestimated cause of brain damage. Until 2018, studies suggested that changes only occur after 10-15 years of persistent hypertension. However, 4 large-scale studies have come to different conclusions. In young people aged 19 to 40 years with hypertension, the amount of gray matter in the brain is significantly reduced.
Of the 423 study participants, 41% had normal blood pressure — less than 120/80 mmHg. Art. In 29%, blood pressure was 129/84 mm, and in 19% - 139/89 mm. The remaining 11% suffered from the first stage of arterial hypertension.
Already at slightly elevated blood pressure values, a relationship with reduced gray matter was detected.
In hypertensive patients, the frontal and parietal lobes, as well as the hippocampus, tonsil and thalamus, were damaged. These brain regions play an important role in memorization, planning, and emotional responses.
It was not possible to establish the exact causal relationship between high blood pressure and a decrease in gray matter. Further studies are needed to confirm the harmful effects of hypertension on the brain. Early treatment of slightly elevated blood pressure can protect young people from complications of the disease.
Read, learn and play more, or new ways to prevent dementia
The World Federation of Neurology (WFN) calls for more attention to be given to the prevention and treatment of brain diseases. The Federation believes that increasing life expectancy will have serious social, medical and economic consequences. Brain health is one of the most important social and economic factors for older people.
The incidence of dementia, stroke, or Parkinson's disease increases with age.
Today, up to the age of 60 years, 800 million people live, which is 12% of the world's population.
Demographers suggest that in 2050 the figure will grow to 21%, or more than 2 billion people. As a result, the number of neurological patients can increase significantly. The FPS indicates that in 2025, about 80% of the elderly population will live in less developed regions of the world.
Diseases affecting the brain are already the most common cause of disability in the world today. However, most of the burden of disease could be avoided if people focus on prevention.
Neurologists recommend supporting the brain with new stimuli. Board games reduce the risk of dementia by 74%, intensive reading by 35%, playing a musical instrument by 69% and solving crossword puzzles by 41%.
“Be mentally active and learn all your life: write, read, complete puzzles, attend performances and courses, play games, work in the garden or solve puzzles,” recommends the Association of Neurologists. "Stay socially active, participate in recreational and social events, travel or join associations."
Physical activity is an important part of the prevention of dementia.
Regular physical activity can have a positive effect on brain function in the short and long term. In older people, the risk of developing dementia in Alzheimer's is reduced by 37%.
The effect is not dependent on age. Exercise improves brain performance in adolescents as well.
Short-term loads of up to 1 hour improves information processing and reaction time. With a long training session, attention, information processing speed and memory ability increase.
Aerobic training reduces blood pressure by 10-15 mmHg. It is recommended to do jogging, walking or other long monotonous activities.
At an early stage, hypertension can be eliminated without drugs. If blood pressure does not decrease, you should consult your doctor.
