Brain Health and High Blood Pressure: Mind Your Risks
Did you know that stroke and dementia, such as memory loss, are more likely to affect people with high blood pressure?
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DR. RODGERS: Did you know that stroke and dementia, such as memory loss, are more likely to affect people with high blood pressure?
Hi, I’m Dr. Griffin Rodgers, Director of the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases at NIH.
My colleague, Dr. Walter Koroshetz, Director of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, explains:
DR. KOROSHETZ: Yes, research has shown that over time, high blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the brain. This leads to stroke and increases your risk for dementia, including Alzheimer’s Disease.
You can improve your chances of healthy brain aging if you know your blood pressure and take your blood pressure medicines as prescribed by your doctor.
It’s also helpful to become more physically active, maintain a healthy weight, and definitely quit smoking. Manage your blood pressure and maintain your brain health.
DR. RODGERS: Follow us @NIDDKgov. This is Dr. Griffin Rodgers with the NIH.