Hypertension can cause silent brain damage: Doctors share protection tips - The Times of India

Recent findings from Weill Cornell Medicine indicate that nearly half of Americans suffer from hypertension, and this condition can lead to brain cell damage days before any rise in blood pressure is measurable. The preclinical study utilized advanced single-cell technology to examine the effects of hypertension on different brain cell types. Researchers discovered notable changes in gene expression at just three days post-hypertension induction in mice, affecting endothelial cells, interneurons, and oligodendrocytes, which are crucial for cognitive function. Importantly, those with hypertension may have a 1.2 to 1.5-fold increased risk for cognitive disorders, including vascular cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. The study also explored potential treatments and found that losartan, an antihypertensive medication, mitigated early damage to the brain, suggesting that angiotensin receptor inhibitors might be beneficial not only for managing blood pressure but also for protecting cognitive health. This research emphasizes the importance of treating hypertension not solely for cardiovascular health, but also for maintaining brain health and preventing cognitive decline.