Hypertensive patients develop more severe forms of Parkinson's
Parkinson's is a relatively common neurodegenerative disease whose causes are still largely unclear. An international team of researchers now reports on an association between hypertension and Parkinson's disease.
Over 280,000 Parkinson's patients in Germany
Parkinson's disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases after Alzheimer's disease. More than four million people worldwide are affected. According to the German Society of Neurology (DGN), more than 280,000 people with Parkinson's disease live in Germany. The causes of the disease are still largely unclear. So far, there are only very limited treatment options. However, these could be improved by the new findings of a research team. The experts have shown a link between high blood pressure and Parkinson's disease.
High blood pressure medicines reduce Parkinson's risk
Scientists have long suspected that there could be such a connection. Researchers at the University of Basel, for example, have already reported in 2008 that certain antihypertensive drugs appear to reduce the risk of developing Parkinson's.
However, it was previously unknown how exactly the two clinical pictures are associated. According to a press release, a British-Italian research team has now revealed the link and has made an important contribution to improving the treatment options of Parkinson's patients.
"Our results show that patients with hypertension have more severe forms of Parkinson's disease than patients with normal blood pressure," Dr. Beniamino Giordano from London's Kings College at the 3rd Congress of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) in Amsterdam.
Scouring the world-wide database
According to the researchers, the researchers scoured the global Parkinson's Progression Marker Initiative (PPMI) database, sponsored by American actor and Parkinson's patient Michael J. Fox.
The main focus of the experts was on the question of whether and to what extent certain Parkinson's markers differed in early-stage patients with and without elevated blood pressure.
Accordingly, motor and non-motor symptoms, neurological parameters, various biomarkers as well as dopamine status were examined.
Improvement of parkinsonian symptoms
"It has been shown that patients with hypertension show stronger motor symptoms such as muscle rigidity or a slowing of voluntary motor skills as well as a reduced capacity to absorb in the affected basal ganglia," Dr. Giordano.
He said, "However, these are preliminary data, more analysis will be needed to elucidate the links between Parkinson's and high blood pressure."
It is said that these findings could provide important impetus for the treatment of Parkinson's. The study authors' conclusion: "The results suggest that optimal high blood pressure management can also improve Parkinson's symptoms."
Treat high blood pressure
In Germany alone, around 20 to 30 million people suffer from hypertension. Hypertension is also one of the major risk diseases for cardiovascular ailments such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure and arrhythmia (atrial fibrillation).
In order to lower the blood pressure, one does not have to fall back on medicines in all cases. Often, a healthier lifestyle and home remedies for hypertension also help.
Basically recommended are smoking cessation, adequate exercise, a low-salt diet and the avoidance of obesity.
In addition, relaxation exercises such as yoga or autogenic training for stress relief can be very effective and positively influence high blood pressure values. (Ad)