Machines Like Us

People with high blood pressure are up to 600% more likely to develop dementia according to new research, released by Alzheimer's Society during Dementia Awareness Week (6- 12 July 2008).

High blood pressure led to a six fold increase in vascular dementia, the second most common form of dementia in the UK, according to the research.

High blood pressure, which affects one in three adults in the UK, also doubles the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and increases risk of stroke, which damages the brain and can trigger dementia.

High blood pressure restricts oxygen to the brain but the symptoms often go unnoticed and a quarter of people are not aware they have it. Alzheimer's Society estimates that tackling the problem in midlife could reduce the number of deaths from dementia by up to 15, 000 people a year.

Neil Hunt, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society says,

'People fear dementia more than any other condition in later life; it is a devastating disease that robs people of their lives. Everyone should get their blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly and receive effective treatment if they are at risk. Having a low salt diet, maintaining a healthy weight and regulating your alcohol intake can also help tackle high blood pressure. This Dementia Awareness Week we are telling people to 'Be Headstrong' and reduce your risk of dementia.

Professor Clive Ballard, director of research, Alzheimer's Society says,

'Treating people's high blood pressure to best practice standards is vital. Only half of people over 65 receive effective treatment, yet we know treatment works. In the US a combination of public awareness campaigns and rigorous treatment has reduced cardio-vascular disease by up to 60%. By working together, we can take the same steps towards reducing the risk of dementia in the UK.'

This study pulls together all research on high blood pressure as a risk for vascular dementia and forms part of a larger review by the Alzheimer's Society of factors that increase the risk of dementia. The charity's top tips to reduce risk of dementia are

• Get active
• Eat a balanced diet
• Keep a healthy weight
• Watch your blood pressure and cholesterol
• Don't smoke

For further information visit http://www.challengedementia.org.uk.

Alzheimer's Society