Fact 10: Stress: An Underestimated Factor in Hypertension and Dementia
When we talk about risk factors for hypertension and dementia, we often think of diet, exercise, and genetics. However, stress, a seemingly omnipresent part of modern life, can also play a significant role.
Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure by triggering a series of physiological responses, such as increased heart rate and narrowed blood vessels. Over time, these changes can lead to sustained high blood pressure, a well-known risk factor for dementia.
Further, stress can directly affect brain health. Chronic stress has been associated with a decrease in the volume of the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for memory, suggesting a possible pathway through which stress might contribute to cognitive decline and dementia.
Addressing stress, therefore, can be an essential part of the strategies to prevent or manage hypertension and reduce the risk of dementia. Incorporating stress management techniques, such as meditation, yoga, and deep-breathing exercises, into daily routines might benefit not just our blood pressure, but also our brains.
The connection between stress, hypertension, and dementia is a reminder of the mind-body connection. It emphasizes that taking care of our mental health is just as crucial as managing our physical health when it comes to preserving cognitive function. (10)
