Researchers have found that people with a genetic predisposition to high pulse pressure face a greater likelihood of dying from dementia, as this measurement can increase the risk by up to 16%.
Pulse pressure is known as a key indicator of cardiovascular health, and is calculated by subtracting the bottom (diastolic) number from the top (systolic) number in a blood pressure reading.
When the reading reaches 50 mmHg or higher, the likelihood of a person developing multiple health problems, including heart disease and strokes, may increase.
In the study published in the scientific journal Neurology, researchers analyzed data from more than 8,000 adults with an average age of 64, and followed them for up to 14 years to monitor dementia-related deaths, and about 9 years to monitor cognitive decline.
Dr. Shona Scales, director of research at Alzheimer's Research UK, commented on the findings, noting that heart health risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol have long been known to contribute to the risk of dementia. However, the new research adds a new dimension, suggesting that people with a higher genetic risk of high pulse pressure may be more likely to die from dementia-related causes.
Skeels emphasized that these findings highlight the close link between heart health and brain health, and the possibility that they have common genetic foundations.
She added that although more research is needed, studies like this may help in the future to identify people who are most at risk of dementia and who need early support to protect their brain health throughout their lives.
Because the research included people from diverse backgrounds, it provides a more complete picture of how the risk of developing dementia varies between different communities, ensuring that future prevention strategies are effective and appropriate for everyone.
But Scales stressed that genetic risk is only one part of the story; there are other crucial ways to reduce the chances of developing dementia.
She explained that maintaining pulse pressure within a healthy range goes hand in hand with taking care of blood pressure in general, which means keeping up with regular checkups, eating a balanced diet, and staying physically active.
In general, high blood pressure is diagnosed when the reading reaches 140/90 or higher when measured by a health professional, or 135/85 or higher when measured at home.
Ways to lower blood pressure include: following a healthy, balanced diet, exercising for at least 150 minutes per week, losing weight, reducing salt, alcohol and caffeine intake, and quitting smoking.
In addition, a major study published in The Lancet in 2024 identified fourteen major risk factors for dementia, including low education, hearing loss, smoking, obesity, depression, lack of physical activity, diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, brain injuries, air pollution, social isolation, untreated vision loss, and high cholesterol.
The study advises consulting a general practitioner if there are concerns about blood pressure or any of these risk factors.
