Public Health

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Hypertension's link to dementia is often underestimated due to stroke's mediating role.
• Stroke, a major dementia risk factor, is frequently caused by hypertension.
• Over half of all stroke cases are attributable to hypertension.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reassess the proportion of dementia risk attributable to hypertension, considering stroke as an intermediary.
• To quantify the potential dementia risk reduction achievable through hypertension management.

Main Methods:

• Recalculated hazard ratios and population attributable fractions for dementia risk linked to hypertension.
• Incorporated data on stroke risk from hypertension and stroke's dementia risk.
• Accounted for overlapping risk factors using weighted analyses.

Main Results:

• Hypertension elevates stroke risk by fivefold and dementia risk by eightfold.
• Approximately 16.6% of dementia cases are potentially preventable by controlling hypertension alone.
• Effective hypertension management could contribute to over 59.6% of overall dementia prevention.

Conclusions:

• Hypertension's role in dementia may be eight times greater than previously estimated when stroke is considered.
• Urgent enhancement of global prevention strategies for hypertension is crucial.
• Managing hypertension offers a significant opportunity to prevent stroke, heart disease, and dementia.