Scientists have found a link between high blood pressure and dementia – study
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Scientists have identified areas of the brain that are damaged by high pressure and contribute to the development of dementia. The results of this study were published in the European Heart Journal. Scientists have established exactly how chronically high blood pressure leads to changes in the structure of the subcortical centers of the brain and its white matter. In particular, in the cortex and the front edge of the internal capsule (a structure in the cerebral hemispheres formed by white matter). About 4,000 patients with dementia and high blood pressure took part in the study. The scientists also took into account their magnetic resonance imaging results and compared them with the data of 33,000 participants of the Great Britain Biobank. Photo: VitalikRadko/Depositphotos The researchers first used Mendelian randomization, a method of analyzing genetic information, to understand how high blood pressure affects the development of dementia, and whether any effect is a coincidence. The researchers found that changes in 9 parts of the brain were associated with increased blood pressure and deterioration of cognitive functions. Among them is the putamen, which is a rounded structure at the base of the front part of the brain that is responsible for regulating movement and influencing various types of learning. Other areas affected were: the anterior radiation of the thalamus; anterior radial crown; anterior end of the internal capsule. These three areas are areas of white matter that connect and ensure the transmission of signals between different parts of the brain. Areas of the brain affected by chronic high blood pressure. Research photo The anterior radiation of the thalamus is involved in executive functions, such as planning simple and complex daily tasks, while the other two areas are involved in decision-making and emotion management. Changes in these areas included a decrease in brain volume and the surface area of the cerebral cortex, changes in connections between different parts of the brain, and changes in indicators of brain activity. The researchers note that the participants from the UK Biobank are middle-aged people, so it is impossible to transfer the research results to older people. Read also: Disgust and helplessness: what people with misophonia feel. Research
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