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June 30, 2009

Hypertension and dementia

A friend forwarded a commentary on a study on BP variability and its connection to dementia. This was a poster presentation at a conference, so the numbers are not available to us. As presented in this commentary, it raises more questions than it answers, which is the purpose of these kinds of studies.

Previous studies have shown a statistically significant (but not meaningful) increase in dementia with increased pressure. This study does not even show statistical significance. Rather, the variability in pressure is statistically signficant (again, we do have enough information to say whether this is meaningful). But the ranges of variability are much wider than the difference between the ranges.

The big question is, clinically, does treating BP (or worse, attempting to treat) cause greater variability leading to greater dementia? Have we worsened the dementia problem with our treatements (of BP, or cholesterol, or whatever)? Have we first done harm?

| By Robert Maddox | 9:08 PM

Comments

Thanks, Rob! Another question. I've seen information that indicates that 'the older brain' has more adverse side effects related to medical drugs than the 'younger brain'. What is not a problem for a younger person, becomes a problem for the older person. (this might be the case with children also?) These also cause cognitive impairment, if I remember correctly. Does this indicate that we should 'first do no harm' by being very careful about using medical drugs (or for that matter herbs, etc.) when we are getting older? Thanks again, Chudk

Posted by: Chuck Hartman at July 3, 2009 8:15 PM

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