New Delhi, June 27 (IANS). Alzheimer’s disease is generally considered a brain disease, which gradually affects a person’s memory, thinking ability, and ability to perform everyday tasks. It is the leading cause of dementia worldwide and millions of elderly people are affected by it. Although there is no permanent cure for it till now, scientists are continuously researching its causes and methods of prevention.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association has revealed that not only high blood pressure, but also low blood pressure (hypotension) may be associated with Alzheimer’s disease. However, researchers have clarified that this study only shows an association between the two conditions, and does not prove that low blood pressure directly causes Alzheimer’s.
In the study, scientists at Michigan Technological University analyzed health data of about 8 lakh people. For this, data from Britain’s UK Biobank and America’s ‘All of Us Research Program’ were used. Based on the health records of nearly 8 lakh participants included in both databases, researchers examined the relationship between Alzheimer’s and 11 different heart diseases.
The research found that most heart and blood vessel diseases were associated with Alzheimer’s. But the most surprising thing was that the association with low blood pressure was the strongest and most consistent in both groups. This finding is also considered important because till now relatively little research has been done on low blood pressure in the context of Alzheimer’s. High blood pressure is generally considered a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
The study also found a strong link between high blood pressure (hypertension) and cerebral infarction, a type of stroke, with Alzheimer’s. At the same time, researchers did not find any significant relationship between heart attack (acute myocardial infarction) and Alzheimer’s.
Scientists also analyzed at the genetic level and found that certain genes, particularly APOE and MAPT, may be associated with both Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular problems. These genes are already known to play important roles in brain function and neurodegenerative diseases.
Experts believe that if blood pressure remains very low for a long time, then adequate amount of blood, oxygen and nutrients do not reach the brain. This can damage brain cells over time. Another possibility is that some similar biological processes may be behind both low blood pressure and Alzheimer’s, which are not yet fully understood. Some scientists also believe that low blood pressure may be a sign of early neurodegenerative changes.
The researchers emphasized that their findings should not be seen as cause and effect. It has not yet been proven that low blood pressure causes Alzheimer’s. Further clinical and biological studies are necessary to better understand this relationship.
–IANS
PIM/AS