Scientists reveal unexpected sign of imminent dementia

High blood pressure in middle age may be associated with a deterioration in the state of the brain and cognitive functions in adulthood, as scientists from University College London found out.

A total 502 people took part in the new study, The Independent reported.

It turned out that people whose blood pressure rose rapidly at the age of 43-53 years, were more likely to have damaged brain vessels by the age of 70, which made them more vulnerable to dementia and many other diseases. And those who also had high blood pressure between the ages of 36-43, their brain size decreased with age.

On the other hand, the results of this study did not show a link between hypertension and amyloid protein accumulation (it is a sign of Alzheimer's disease), as well as memory loss. However, high blood pressure at an early age can indicate lesions of white matter and small cerebral blood vessels, which, in turn, can cause dementia.

According to scientists, monitoring and controlling blood pressure can help protect the central nervous system from age-related changes, including the development of dementia.

According to another study, high cholesterol doubles the risk of developing dementia in people over 60 years of age.

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