For some time, scientists have known that high blood pressure is somehow involved in the cognitive decline that leads to dementia. The evidence is supported by several studies that have shown it to be helpful.
But for the first time, scientists have been able to identify nine specific areas of the brain where hypertension-induced damage (HBP) may contribute to cognitive decline, suggesting that neurodegeneration can be treated before it develops. opened the door of
“Although it has long been known that high blood pressure is a risk factor for cognitive decline, it was not clear how high blood pressure damages the brain,” University of Edinburgh. Brain regions are at particularly high risk for blood pressure disorders, which could help identify people at risk for cognitive decline in the early stages and target more effective treatments in the future. There is a possibility.”
This finding was made possible by an international team of researchers who combined MRI images of more than 30,000 participants in the UK Biobank study with genetic analyzes from several genome-wide association studies, as well as observational and Mendelian randomizations of patients. Realized only after being applied. Rather than just sharing geography, we want to see if HBP caused changes in these specific brain regions.
“[Mendelian randomization] We will use human genetic information to see if there is a relationship between genes that predispose to hypertension and the outcome,” said the study, who is a professor of cardiovascular medicine at the University of Edinburgh and the Jagiellonian University School of Medicine in Krakow. Lead Tomasz Guzik says. “If there is a relationship, high blood pressure is more likely to be causing the outcome. This is because the gene is randomly inherited from both parents, which can confound the outcome.” This is because it is not affected by any other factors.”
Brain regions the team identified included the putamen, which is involved in regulating movement and supporting learning, the anterior thalamic radiation, which deals with executive functions such as planning daily tasks, as well as the anterior crown radiata and the visceral forelimbs. will be Capsules involved in decision-making and managing emotions.
In these regions, scientists found decreases in brain volume and cortical surface area, changes in connections between regions, and changes in brain activity measures.
“By using this combination of imaging, genetic and observational approaches, we identified specific parts of the brain affected by elevated blood pressure, including a region called the putamen and specific white matter regions,” Guzik said. says Mr. Hypertension can affect cognitive functions such as memory loss, thinking skills, and dementia. received
Approximately 116 million adults in the United States – Almost half of the adult population has HBP or hypertension, but only about a quarter have the condition under control. Its effects on stroke, heart disease, and heart failure are well known, but until now, its association with brain function decline has been less clear.
“We hope our findings will help develop new ways to treat cognitive impairment in people with hypertension. In addition, looking at these specific areas of the brain may help us understand who develops memory loss and dementia faster in the context of high blood pressure. It may be predictable. This could help precision medicine, so more intensive treatment to prevent the development of cognitive impairment in the most at-risk patients.”
This research European Heart Journal.
Source: European Society of Cardiology
