recollective - term changes in the encephalon because of high-pitched rakehell pressure have the potential to make cognitive downslope , which may progress into dementia . This nexus has long been observed , but a novel subject field has expose for the first time how these two condition could be connected .

Scientists used information forgather from magnetized vibrancy imaging ( MRI ) scan of masses ’s Einstein , genetic testing , and data-based studies of grand of masses to look at how in high spirits blood pressure feign cognitive function over time . They then cross - checked their determination in another large chemical group of Italian patient , which confirmed what they had seen .

“ By using this combination of imaging , genetic and data-based approaches , we have identified specific parts of the learning ability that are affected by increment in descent insistency , include areas called the putamen and specific white matter regions , ” explained elderly author Professor Tomasz Guzik in astatement .

“ We think these surface area might be where eminent blood line pressure affects cognitive function , such as computer storage departure , thinking skill anddementia . When we check our findings by studying a grouping of patients in Italy who had gamey bloodline pressure , we found that the parts of the brain we had key out were indeed affected . ”

Damage to nine dissimilar brain regions was found to be connect with both high lineage pressure and cognitive fall . These surface area of the brain are involved in diverse functions , including learning , decision - fashioning , job planning , and worked up regulation . Some of them are neighborhood of blank matter , which form connections between unlike structures in the brain and allow information to be give-up the ghost between them .

mellow stock pressure cause changes in these internal brain connexion , as well as diminish the volume of brain tissue and the control surface area of the cortex . The researchers also saw changes in brain activeness .

To assess whether high rake pressure was really causing these change in the Einstein , rather than it just being a coincidence , the writer used a technique called Mendelian randomisation . “ It works by using a person ’s inherited information to see if there is a relationship between genes predispose to in high spirits line of descent insistency and outcomes , ” say Professor Guzik . “ In our work , if a gene that causes high profligate pressure is also link to certain wit structures and their function , then it suggest that high blood pressure might really be causing brain dysfunction at that location , leading to problem with memory , thinking and dementia . ”

As first source Dr Mateusz Siedlinski confirmed , " Our study has , for the first time , identified specific places in the brain that are potentially causally consort with high blood pressure and cognitive impairment . "

Being able to zero in on specific brain structures could pave the way for personalised treatment approach for the most at - risk patients . These fresh findings could help scientists and clinician work out to catch cognitive change as ahead of time as possible , and hopefully even prevent them altogether .

gamy pedigree pressureis a vulgar problem . An estimated 30 percent of the world ’s population is affected , and a further 30 percent show signs of being in the former stages .

With further inquiry , scientists should now start to build up a picture of precisely how high rakehell pressure lead to the incremental changes that can have such a damaging impact on brain role over clock time .

The cogitation is published in theEuropean Heart Journal .