2023-05-23 13:09:43
A new study, published in the journal JAMA Network Open on May 17, 2023, discovers that there is a link between Alzheimer’s disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol.
Indeed, according to their research, people who would be predisposed to have high blood pressure and high cholesterol have a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later in life. “This study found novel genetic associations between elevated HDL cholesterol concentrations and elevated blood pressure with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s,” the researchers explain.
Sustained hypertension that emerges in midlife until the end of life is associated with an increased risk of dementia.
To arrive at these conclusions, the scientists examined the DNA of 39 106 participantswith clinically diagnosed Alzheimer’s disease. They were between 72 and 83 years old. For comparison, 401,577 control participants without the disease and aged 51 to 80 participated in the study. The data came from the European Biobank on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Result : increased HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol) was associated with an increased likelihood of Alzheimer’s. Then, “early hypertension has been suggested as a risk factor independent for the disease, whereas hypertension, which appears late in life, showed no or inverse associations with Alzheimer’s,” the study reveals.
“Sustained hypertension from midlife through late life is associated with an increased risk of dementia.” In other words, the earlier in life you have high blood pressure, the greater the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease: other risk factors
Hypercholesterolemia, poorly controlled diabetes, smoking or systolic hypertension are known to be important risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. Nevertheless, other, less important factors must nevertheless be taken into account. This is particularly the case:
- Significant trauma to the headespecially if they lead to loss of consciousness;
- Obesity;
- A history of depression ;
- D’a diet high in fructose.
One study even showed that taking long naps increased the risk of dementiawhile another revealed that the Covid was an increased factor of the disease.
Can Alzheimer’s disease be prevented?
Certain lifestyles and habits seem to limit the risks. Experts advise in particular to eat healthy. For good reason, many studies have made the link between the role of a good diet and the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. For that, favor the consumption of fish, fruits, vegetables or even good fats (like olive oil).
Maintaining a minimum of physical activity, throughout your life, is also recommended. Sport would prevent vascular lesions by reducing blood sugar, high blood pressure and cholesterol. But no need to run a marathon every day: prefer the stairs rather than the elevator, walking to the subway, a bike ride Sunday rather than an followingnoon canapé.
Another essential point: health professionals advise to maintain intellectual abilities.
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