New research published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia suggests that cardiovascular issues such as high blood pressure and diabetes, which are known to cause blood vessel damage to the brains of younger people, may not have the same effects in people over about 90 years old.
The study included 267 autopsy volunteers with a mean age at death of 98 years. Participants were checked for the presence of cerebrovascular pathologic changes, or damage to the blood vessels in their brains. Additionally, participants had reported use of cardiovascular medications and the presence of risk factors, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, before their deaths. The goal of the study was to see how cardiovascular risk factors and medications impact the blood vessels in the brains of older (>90 years old) adults.
The results showed that cardiovascular risk factors, including diabetes and high blood pressure, were not associated with changes to the blood vessels in the brains of the study participants. Additionally, certain medications were associated with positive effects in the brain and other areas. Antihypertensive medications were associated with a lower risk of changes to the blood vessels in the brain, and diuretics were associated with a lower risk of atherosclerosis.
The authors of the study noted that traditional brain risk factors may not be associated with harm to brain health after about 90 years old. Previous research has shown that cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes are associated with a greater risk of dementia and cognitive decline as patients get older. However, this study indicates that these patterns may change with age. Future research may further explore how certain medications, such as blood pressure lowering medications, could improve brain health and lower the risk of dementia.
Sources: Alzheimer’s & Dementia, Science Daily
