A recent study published in JAMA Network Open has found that older adults who take medications to lower their blood pressure may reduce their risk of dementia. The report analyzed data from 17 separate observational studies that included over 34,000 adults aged 60 to 110.

The average age of the participants was 72, and they were followed for an average of four years. The findings showed that people with untreated high blood pressure were 42% more likely to develop dementia compared with healthy older adults. Those who were untreated had a 26% greater risk than people with treated high blood pressure.

However, when researchers compared people with treated high blood pressure to healthy older adults without high blood pressure, they found no meaningful difference in dementia risk between the two groups. This suggests that treating high blood pressure in later life may not have a significant impact on dementia risk.

Overall, the study reinforces the connection between heart and brain health and highlights the importance of managing high blood pressure as we age. While further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between high blood pressure and dementia, this study provides some valuable insights into how we can maintain our overall health and well-being as we grow older.