High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is becoming a more common mental health disorder throughout the world. It has a direct effect on the body's arteries and is a major cause of cardiac arrest in humans.
Several studies have also found that certain factors or conditions linked to high blood pressure can increase the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. Individuals who have hypertension, depression, or financial difficulties, for example, are more vulnerable to cognitive difficulties.
Dementia and High Blood Pressure
Dementia is typically caused by a combination of brain-damaging factors, with strokes and Alzheimer's disease being common contributors to cognitive decline. Lowering blood pressure is important in lowering the risk of dementia because it reduces the likelihood of strokes, which can lead to cognitive impairment.
It is important to note that these strokes, while often minor and unnoticed, can add up. Having multiple small strokes or a few larger ones increases the likelihood of developing dementia significantly. As a result, controlling and lowering blood pressure is critical in lowering the risk of dementia and promoting brain health.
Contribution of Hypertension to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
Some of the hypertension risk factors that contribute to dementia and cognitive impairment include:
Vascular damage: Long-term high blood pressure can harm blood vessels throughout the body, including the vasculature of the brain. This damage can obstruct blood flow, resulting in oxygen deprivation and nutrient deficiencies in brain cells and, ultimately, cognitive impairment and an increased risk of vascular dementia.
Stroke: High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke. Consistently high blood pressure puts strain on blood vessels, making them more prone to blockages or ruptures. Blood flow disruption to the brain causes brain cell damage, memory loss, attention and concentration difficulties, and other cognitive deficits.
High blood pressure can contribute to the development of small vessel disease in the brain. This condition causes small vessel damage, reducing blood flow and oxygen delivery to brain tissue. This disease is linked to cognitive impairment, which includes issues with thinking, planning, and memory.
Atherosclerosis of the brain: Chronic hypertension has been linked to accelerated brain ageing. High blood pressure can cause structural changes in the brain, such as decreased brain volume and white matter abnormalities. These changes have the potential to disrupt communication between brain regions and impair cognitive function.
Alzheimer's disease: Although the link between hypertension and Alzheimer's disease is complex, research suggests that it may increase the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's or hasten its progression. High blood pressure can cause amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles to form in the brain, which are classic symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, hypertension can exacerbate the negative effects of Alzheimer's pathology on the brain, resulting in more severe cognitive impairment.
Hypertension Relationship with Stress
When a person is stressed, their body produces chemicals such as adrenaline and cortisol, which cause an increase in heart rate and blood vessel constriction. If the stress habit persists for an extended period of time, it may result in high blood pressure and certain heart conditions. The unhealthy coping mechanism is also to blame for exacerbating the negative effects of stress. Individuals must manage their stress in order to avoid hypertension problems.
Conclusion
It is critical to be aware of hypertension symptoms and take steps to manage their impact. Self-care and adopting a stress-reduction lifestyle are two highly influential and accessible ways to accomplish this. Individuals can play an active role in keeping their blood pressure within healthy limits by prioritising self-care practises and consciously minimising stress.
Get in touch with Solh Wellness if you want to incorporate a healthy lifestyle into your routine. We are a one-of-a-kind mental health platform that provides tools and solutions for individuals to self-manage their mental health. Download the Solh App to improve your mental health and quality of life.
Comments
Post a Comment