New research out of the Australian National University published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience suggests that there is a strong connection between elevated blood pressure and increased brain aging. In fact, the study found that “optimal blood pressure helps our brains stay at least six months younger than our actual age.” Even participants that were on the higher end of the “normal” range for blood pressure levels had older looking brains. That means that someone may think they have normal blood pressure levels while simultaneously accelerating the aging process of their brains. This research is so important because globally the amount of people over 30 years old with high blood pressure has doubled. With these new findings and a better understanding of how our blood pressure is connected to our brain health, it is imperative that action is taken to educate people on the lifestyle and diet choices that will lead to higher blood pressure, accelerated aging of the brain, and an overall shorter healthspan.
Study cited: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/10/211012112239.htm