Blood Pressure-Lowering Drugs May Lower Dementia Risk

Recently a large study out of Europe found a link between older adults who take blood pressure-lowering drugs and a lower risk of developing dementia.  Medical News Today explains that while researchers are still unclear as to what causes dementia, much work is being done to improve prevention strategies.  By studying “potential risk factors that may contribute to the development of this condition,” scientists say they hope to learn more about connections between certain health conditions and higher rates of dementia.   

Another study published last year in the journal, Neurology, found that patients with hypertension had a higher risk of experiencing brain lesions related to dementia.  In this newest study from the University of Leipzig in Germany, the University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines in France, and the Frankfurt, Germany branch of IQVIA, researchers had access to a large database that collects and stores health information on millions of people.   

Using the Disease Analyzer database, researchers looked at 12,405 people, aged 60 and older, with or without dementia.  They compared those who took antihypertensive drugs with those who had for periods of time or had never taken the drugs.  Results showed that those who took “certain antihypertensive drugs — including beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and angiotensin II receptor blockers — seemed to have a lower risk of dementia.”   

The study authors warn that antihypertensive drugs do not guarantee a person will not develop dementia.  They say rather it highlights the benefits of such drugs.   

At MorningStar at Bear Creek, our loving assisted living for dementia residents includes comprehensive care services including 24-hour care managers, full time nurse, routine Health & Wellness Evaluations, and much more.  Every aspect of our dementia care addresses the needs of our residents starting with the very design of our community to a wide range of wellness programs, activities and healthy, delicious meals.  Please visit our website to learn more. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We are dedicated to creating a true home within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best assisted living for dementia residents in Colorado Springs. 

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325393.php