Cutting two things from diet could lower blood pressure and slash dementia risk A major study has revealed that lowering blood pressure could significantly slash your risk of dementia A new study has revealed an important link between dementia and high blood pressure (Image: Getty Images ) New research has revealed that cutting two common things from your diet may help to lower blood pressure – which could have a protective effect on your brain. According to a ground-breaking study, lowering high blood pressure reduces your chances of developing dementia by 15 per cent. ‌ The researchers from the University of Texas looked at data from 34,000 people in rural China with high blood pressure in order to work out how lifestyle changes and medication can impact blood pressure levels. Article continues below The research team followed participants over a four-year period. One group was offered blood pressure interventions, including medication, health coaching and advice on reducing alcohol and salt intake. A second group received standard medical care – including advice on blood pressure management. The study found that those in the intensive blood pressure management group were 15 per cent less likely to develop dementia and 16 per cent less likely to experience cognitive impairment like thinking and memory problems. Groundbreaking research suggests that lowering blood pressure could help to protect against dementia (Image: PA ) ‌ According to the Alzheimer’s Society, around 982,000 people across the UK are currently living with dementia. However, this number is expected to increase to 1.4 million by 2040. Dr Richard Oakley, Associate Director of Research and Innovation at Alzheimer’s Society, said: "Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. The condition is progressive and although no single behaviour is guaranteed to prevent dementia, we know that what’s good for your heart is often also good for your head. "This study is one of the first big trials to test whether treating high blood pressure, supported by health coaching can reduce dementia risk, and the results appear to be promising. ‌ Cutting salt is among one of several interventions that could lower blood pressure and slash dementia risk (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto ) "It is encouraging that the intervention worked in real-world, rural settings using non-physician healthcare workers, which may have implications for delivering care in areas with limited resources in the future. However, this four-year study cannot tell us whether the benefits will last in the long-term so we will continue to follow this trial. "Research will one day beat dementia. This study takes another step forwards and we will be keen to see further studies provide more information about the impact of blood pressure control over the longer term and in other populations." ‌ The NHS says high blood pressure – along with poor diet, smoking, and too much alcohol – can increase the risk of developing dementia. The study suggests that limiting salt and alcohol intake could have a profound affect on dementia risk, alongside other blood pressure interventions. More studies are needed to understand how blood pressure influences dementia risk (Image: Getty Images ) Prof Masud Husain, neurologist at Oxford University, who was not involved in the research, told The Mirror : "This is a landmark study with a very large sample size and a robust effect. Article continues below "It’s a wake-up call to treat high blood pressure intensively, not just to protect the heart but also the brain. In my clinic, I recommend keeping blood pressure consistently below 140/80 mmHg." He added: "Remarkably, within just four years, there was a significant reduction in the incidence of dementia by aggressively treating raised blood pressure. Although many patients and their GPs understand how important it is to treat blood pressure, they might not appreciate what a risk it poses for developing dementia."