An international team of scientists used brain MRI data from more than 30,000 study participants
"Mendelian randomization" is a methodusing genetic information to understand how “one thing influences another.” Using it, we found a gene that causes high blood pressure. It is also associated with certain brain structures and their functions,” explains the author of the study.
It turned out that the changes in nine partsbrain are associated with higher blood pressure and worse cognitive function. These include a structure at the base of the front part of the brain that is responsible for regulating movement and influencing various types of learning. Other areas affected are the anterior thalamic radiate (ATR), the anterior part of the corona radiata, and the anterior limb of the internal capsule. The PTL is involved in executive functions, such as planning simple and complex daily tasks, while the other two areas are decision making and emotion management.
The scientists tested their findings on a separate largegroup of patients in Italy. Limitations of the study include that participants in the UK Biobank project are predominantly white and middle-aged, making it difficult to extrapolate the results to older people.
“Our study is the first to identify specific regions in the brain that are potentially associated with high blood pressure and cognitive impairment,” the scientists explain.
The results of the study were published in two articles in the European Heart Journal (first, second).
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