How middle-age hypertension raises dementia risk later
London, June 13: A high blood pressure level but still below the usual threshold for treating hypertension can put 50-year-olds at increased risk of developing dementia later, revealed a study led by an Indian-origin researcher.
According to the American Heart Association, normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg.
People with a systolic blood pressure (the top number) of 130 mmHg or more at the age of 50 had a 45 per cent greater risk of developing dementia than those with a lower level at the same age.
The risk was 47 per cent even in people with no heart or blood vessel-related conditions.
"Our work confirms the detrimental effects of midlife hypertension for risk of dementia," said lead author Archana Singh-Manoux, Professor at the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) in Paris.
The reason for the increased risk of dementia includes the fact that high blood pressure is linked to silent or mini strokes (where symptoms often are not noticeable), damage to the white matter in the brain, which contains many of the brain's nerve fibres, and restricted blood supply to the brain.
This damage may underlie the resulting decline in the brain's processes, the researchers explained in the study of nearly 9,000 people, published in the European Heart Journal.
However, the association was not seen at the ages of 60 and 70, and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) was not linked to dementia.
"Our analysis suggests that the importance of mid-life hypertension on brain health is due to the duration of exposure," the researcher said.
"So we see an increased risk for people with raised blood pressure at age 50, but not 60 or 70, because those with hypertension at age 50 are likely to be 'exposed' to this risk for longer," she added.
Another study reported in the journal Cardiovascular Research showed that higher risk of developing dementia in hypertensive patients occurs due to significant alterations in three specific white matter fibre-tracts linked to executive functions, processing speed, memory and related learning tasks -- brain areas associated with dementia.
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Assembly winter session to begin on Monday
discussion on pressing issues in North Karnataka to take place
Belagavi: The winter session of the Karnataka state legislature, set to take place in Belagavi, begins tomorrow, marking the 13th session held in the city. This session carries a significant weight of expectations, particularly for the people of North Karnataka, who hope for meaningful discussions and actionable solutions to the region’s persistent challenges.
Despite promises over the years to address the issues plaguing the region, there remains a sense of disillusionment among the people, as previous sessions have often failed to deliver substantial results. Many view these meetings as symbolic gestures rather than opportunities for genuine progress.
One of the critical topics that require urgent attention is the Mahadayi Project. Despite the tribunal's verdict seven years ago, the project has yet to commence, as it remains stalled due to the Central Wildlife Board’s pending approval.
Similarly, the Krishna Upper River Project has become a recurring subject of discussion in these sessions, yet it continues to face delays. Although the state has been allocated a share of water, it remains largely unutilized. The long-standing proposal for an alternative dam on the Tungabhadra River also remains unfulfilled, leaving the people of North Karnataka increasingly frustrated.
Another pressing concern is the lack of industrial development in the region. With no significant industries being established, many talented individuals from North Karnataka are compelled to migrate to cities like Pune, Bengaluru, and Goa in search of better opportunities. Even initiatives like the Invest Karnataka-Hubballi program, which promised investments of ₹83,000 crore, have failed to make an impact. Confusion over land pricing and allocation has deterred industries from setting up their operations in the area, further exacerbating the problem.
Moreover, the aftermath of recent heavy rains has left many residents struggling with immense damage to their homes and crops. However, the compensation provided thus far has been inadequate, prompting widespread demands for increased financial assistance. Farmers and other affected individuals are urging the government to approve ₹5 lakh for rebuilding collapsed houses and to address the lack of proper crop damage compensation.
