Originally published September 27 2005
Research suggests blood flow to brain plays larger role in dementia than previously suspected
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Blood flow to the brain may contribute more to dementia than previously thought, a new study by researchers at Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands shows, which has experts stressing the need to monitor both high and low blood pressure in elderly patients, Senior Journal reports.
Researchers from Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to examine the brains of elderly patients with and without dementia related to Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.
As expected, MR images showed that the patients with late-onset dementia had more brain damage compared with young adults and with seniors who had optimal cognitive function.
But researchers found that the late-onset dementia group also had a much lower rate of blood flow to the brain than the other two groups.
Dementia is a loss of cognitive functions, such as thinking, remembering and reasoning, that interferes with normal activities.
Although many conditions can produce these symptoms, Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia.
In the Dutch study, researchers examined 17 patients with late-onset dementia (dementia occurring after age 75), another 16 seniors of the same age with optimal cognitive function and 15 healthy younger individuals.
Researchers used MRI to measure cerebral blood flow and the extent of structural brain damage in each person and then compared the results of the three groups.
Average total cerebral blood flow in the healthy young individuals was 742 milliliters (mL) per minute.
"The findings emphasize the importance of monitoring both high and low blood pressure in older adults," Dr. Spilt said.
"Possible causes of low cerebral blood flow include heart failure and a narrowing of cerebral or cervical arteries."
Radiology is a monthly scientific journal devoted to clinical radiology and allied sciences.
The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) is an association of more than 37,000 radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists and related scientists committed to promoting excellence in radiology through education and by fostering research, with the ultimate goal of improving patient care.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml