THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BLOOD-PRESSURE AND DEMENTIA - A REVIEW

Hypertension has been related to the development of dementia. includin g Alzheimer's disease, and cognitive dysfunction in middle-aged and el derly populations. One possible explanation is that hypertension is a risk factor for cerebral infarcts and ischaemic subcortical white-matt er lesions. Hypertension may also give rise to a blood-brain barrier d ysfunction, which has been suggested to be involved in the aetiology a nd pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Other possible explanations fo r the association are shared risk factors, such as psychological stres s, and the formation of free oxygen radicals. Low blood pressure has a lso been hypothesized to give rise to brain damage and dementia. Howev er, the brain is involved in blood pressure regulation and dementia di sorders may therefore influence the blood pressure. The findings of an association between hypertension and dementia may have implications f or prevention and treatment.