Hypertension is a leading risk factor for dementia and other disorders associated with cognitive decline.

‘Targeting activators of perivascular macrophages is a potential approach for preventing dementia in individuals with high blood pressure.’

They determined that when angiotensin II, a hormone linked to high blood pressure, activates the macrophages, it causes increases in oxidative stress that are linked to disruptions in blood flow as well as cognitive dysfunction. Selectively removing these immune cells from the brain reduced damage to blood vessels and reduced signs of cognitive decline in mouse models of hypertension. 




These findings suggest that targeting activators of perivascular macrophages is a potential approach for preventing dementia in individuals with high blood pressure.
Source-Eurekalert