Women who have high blood pressure may want to consider turning to an alkaline diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains as a new discovery suggests that women who suffer from the problem could be at a greater risk for dementia.
The study, which is published in the Journal of Clinical Hypertension, suggests that women who had high blood pressure were more likely to develop dementia in their later years.
Researchers measured the blood pressure of 1,424 women 65 and older. After using resonance imaging on the participants, the scientists determined the amount of white lesions on the individualsÂ’ brains.
Eight years later, the participants underwent more resonance imaging. It was noted that women who had a blood pressure of 140/190 or higher had a significant increase in the amount of white lesions in their brain, indicating presence of dementia.
The researchers are quick to point out that women should take extra precaution in controlling their blood pressure.
“Women should be encouraged to control high blood pressure when they are young or in middle-age in order to prevent serious problems later on,” said researcher Dr. Lewis Kuller. “Prevention and control of elevated blood pressure and subsequent vascular disease in the brain may represent the best current preventive therapy for dementia.”