A recent study suggests that individuals with a higher genetic predisposition to high pulse pressure may face an increased risk of dementia-related death. Pulse pressure, which is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure, is a key indicator of cardiovascular health. High pulse pressure can indicate underlying problems such as atherosclerosis or poor heart valve function.
Key takeaways
- A greater number of genetic variants for increased pulse pressure are associated with a slightly increased risk of dementia as a contributing cause of death.
- This association suggests possible shared genetic underpinnings between cardiovascular disease and dementia.
- The study found a 16% increased risk of dementia as a contributing cause of death for those with a higher genetic risk score for pulse pressure.
- The association was not strong for cognitive impairment, suggesting that genetic factors for high pulse pressure may influence later disease development more than early cognitive decline.
Understanding pulse pressure
Pulse pressure is calculated by subtracting diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) from systolic blood pressure (top number). Wider pulse pressure, often seen in older adults, can indicate that the arteries are becoming less elastic, a condition that can strain the heart and blood vessels. While conditions such as High blood pressureDiabetes and stroke are known risk factors for dementia, but the role of genetic predisposition to these conditions has been less clear.
Study results
The researchers analyzed genetic data from nearly 9,000 participants, who were followed for an average of 14 years. They have developed genetic risk scores to evaluate an individual’s genetic predisposition to various heart diseases and risk factors, including pulse pressure. The study found that after taking into account other influencing factors, a higher genetic risk score for pulse pressure was associated with a 16% increased risk of dementia as a contributing cause of death. Interestingly, this association was not evident for cognitive impairment, leading researchers to hypothesize that genetic factors associated with high pulse pressure may play a more important role in the development of dementia rather than its initial onset.
Implications and future research
While the study highlights a possible link between genetic factors that affect pulse pressure and dementia-related mortality, it is important to note that association does not prove causation. The findings suggest that there may be common genetic pathways linking cardiovascular health and brain health. More research is needed to fully understand these complex relationships and explore whether interventions targeting pulse pressure can influence the risk of developing or progressing dementia. The study also noted that while the APOE ɛ4 allele is a known strong genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, combinations of smaller-impact genetic variants associated with cardio-metabolic health may also contribute to dementia risk.
