High blood pressure, known as the silent killer, has been linked to heart attacks, strokes, and dementia. Research suggests that intensive blood pressure control can lower the risk of dementia by 15% and cognitive impairment by 16%. A new study published in Nature Medicine found that community health workers, also known as village doctors, played a crucial role in achieving these results.
The trial involved nearly 34,000 people aged 40 and older in rural China who had untreated hypertension. Half received care from community health workers, who prescribed blood pressure medications, monitored lifestyle changes, and provided coaching on medication adherence. The intervention group achieved better blood pressure control and reduced dementia risk by 15%, while the control group saw no significant reduction.
Study author Jiang He notes that this study provides strong evidence for the use of antihypertensive treatment in preventing all-cause dementia. Village doctors have previously shown success in controlling blood pressure and reducing cardiovascular risk, particularly in rural regions with lower income. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure, three-quarters of whom do not have it under control.
Experts suggest that further research is needed to confirm the long-term benefits of this approach. However, the study’s findings offer hope for motivating people to control their blood pressure and treating it intensively. As Dan Jones, a past president of the American Heart Association, notes, “This is incredibly important for motivating people to control their blood pressure.”
Source: https://www.statnews.com/2025/04/21/high-blood-pressure-linked-with-dementia-nature-medicine-study-impact-community-health-workers