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Alzheimer’s disease often starts out as a condition called mild cognitive impairment, or MCI. About 10 percent of adults with MCI progress to Alzheimer’s, compared to about 1 percent of the general population. Preventing MCI may be an important step in preventing Alzheimer’s. New research shows that a good way to prevent MCI is to control blood pressure.
According to research in the Archives of Neurology, a history of high blood pressure seems to increase the risk of developing MCI. The researchers followed about 900 patients for five years. Those with high blood pressure were about 40 percent more likely to develop some type of MCI. About half of those developed “amnestic” MCI, meaning their impairment actually caused them to score lower on memory tests. High blood pressure raised the risk of non-amnestic MCI by about 70 percent.
"Preventing and treating hypertension may have an important impact in lowering the risk of cognitive impairment," the investigators conclude. In turn, that may lower the risk of Alzheimer’s.
Be sure you are doing all you can to control your blood pressure. That includes, first, getting your blood pressure tested regularly. If it’s high, follow your doctor’s orders for lowering it. Doctors’ recommendations may include a change in diet, increased exercise, weight loss, and other lifestyle adjustments. It may also mean medication.
SOURCE: Archives of Neurology, December 2007, Reuters Health
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The information provided is intended to help you make informed decisions. The Genworth Financial companies do not provide medical information, advice or recommendations. Consult your physician before making major changes in your lifestyle or health care regimen. Please note that Wellness partners, their products, services, and offers may change over time.
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