Rethinking Brain Health: Breakthrough Study Challenges Risk Factors in the Oldest-Old

A recent study conducted by the University of California, Irvine has found that cardiovascular conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes which likely contribute to brain blood vessel damage in a younger population, is not significantly associated with increased risk of such condition in 90-plus individuals or the ‘oldest-old’.

The work was published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association suggesting the complexities associated with brain aging and vascular health.

Dr. Ravi Rajmohan, UC Irvine clinical instructor of neurology who was part of this study stated though there were studies explaining the increasing risk of cognitive decline and dementia with high blood pressure and diabetes by damaging the brain blood vessels, this research has found out that these patterns might change as the people age. He also emphasized on the use of blood pressure lowering medications by 90 plus group can be associated with the lowered risk of brain damage.

The study was conducted on 267 participants in the National Institute of Aging’s 90+ Study, one of the largest and most comprehensive research projects on the oldest-old population. The team members analyzed the relationship between cardiovascular related changes in the brain and vascular risk factors or use of heart related medications by application of statistical data based on age, sex and education. The result was that the presence of brain changes was not linked to those risk factors.

In addition, they discovered that intake of certain medications like diuretics was linked to lower likelihood of atherosclerosis (blockage of arteries). Beta blockers, usually taken to reduce high blood pressure was associated with reduced cerebral amyloid angiopathy, which is accumulation of certain proteins in brain blood vessels.

“Our findings may change our understanding of what risk factors are most significant for brain blood vessel damage as people age, which will help reduce the risk of dementia through targeted strategies to protect the brain’s blood supply” Dr. Rajmohan stated.  “Further research is needed to explore whether blood pressure-lowering medications could directly reduce the risk of brain blood vessel damage and dementia under specific circumstances. Such knowledge could lead to more personalized advice for managing blood pressure and improving brain health outcomes.”

Reference:

1. Rajmohan R, Al‐Darsani Z, Ho C, Wong J, Paganini‐Hill A, Montine T, et al. Vascular risk factors and cerebrovascular pathologic changes on autopsy: The 90+ Study. Alzheimer’s & Dementia. 2025 Jan 7;

(Newswise/SP)