A new University of California study shows that high blood pressure in your 30s is associated with poorer brain health at age 75 for men. The research compared MRI scans of older adults with high blood pressure between the ages of 30 and 40, with older adults with normal blood pressure.
The researchers found that the hypertensive group had significantly lower brain volumes in some areas and worse white matter integrity, both factors being associated with dementia.
The findings were published in JAMA Medical Journal. "High blood pressure is a very common risk factor, and it can be treated to prevent its effect on dementia," said lead researcher Dr. Christine M. George. The study indicates that a condition with high blood pressure at an early stage affects brain health decades later.
Okaz (Jeddah) @OKAZ_online