Blood pressure and dementia risk share surprising link, study suggests
In a large, randomized trial, researchers led by First Hospital of China Medical University discovered that 'intensive blood pressure control' resulted in a 15% reduced dementia risk among participants and a 16% reduced risk of cognitive impairment.
The study included 33,995 people in rural China aged 40 or older who had 'uncontrolled hypertension.'
The participants were divided into two groups.
One received 'usual care,' while the other was assigned to 'trained non-physician community healthcare providers' who prescribed 'titrated antihypertensive medications.'
For the latter group, the medications helped them achieve a systolic blood pressure goal of <130 mm Hg and a diastolic blood pressure goal of <80 mm Hg, according to the study findings in Nature Medicine.
'The primary outcome of all-cause dementia was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the usual care group,' the researchers wrote.
They were also less likely to experience 'serious adverse events.'
3 High blood pressure can impact brain health, according to a new study.
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This was one of the first large-scale, randomized, controlled effectiveness trials to demonstrate a 'significant reduction in all-cause dementia associated with lowering blood pressure,' the researchers concluded.
There were some limitations of the study, the article acknowledged, including the absence of baseline and follow-up cognitive assessments.
Dr. Bradley Serwer — an interventional cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company that offers cardiovascular and anesthesiology services to hospitals — said this study presents an 'intriguing approach' to addressing dementia in individuals with uncontrolled hypertension.
3 'The primary outcome of all-cause dementia was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the usual care group,' the researchers wrote.
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'Unlike studies performed in the United States, this study employed non-physicians to significantly reduce blood pressure in rural China through a 'cluster' blinding method,' Ohio-based Serwer, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.
'While the study can be subject to scrutiny, it raises a pertinent question: How crucial is modification of cardiovascular risk factors in the development of dementia?'
The primary medications used in the study to lower blood pressure were calcium channel blockers and angiotensin receptor blockers, Serwer noted.
'These commonly prescribed medications have been independently associated with a reduced risk of dementia, irrespective of the magnitude of blood pressure reduction they achieve,' he said.
3 Nearly 34,000 people in rural China over the age of 40 participated in the study.
wutzkoh – stock.adobe.com
'This raises the possibility that the lower rates of dementia observed may be attributed to other beneficial effects of the medications rather than solely to blood pressure reduction.'
To confirm the findings, Serwer said it would be beneficial to include baseline cognitive assessments of the patients and to identify the prevalence of Alzheimer's dementia within the communities.
'The most significant takeaway from this study is the profound importance of addressing blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking and sedentary lifestyles,' the cardiologist said.
'By prioritizing these factors, we not only aim to prevent heart attacks and strokes, but also strive to enhance overall quality of life.'
The study was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, Chinese Society of Cardiology Foundation, and the Science and Technology Program of Liaoning Province, China.
Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers for comment.
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Our tester reported that his feet felt well-supported and free of aches after long shifts on hard kitchen floors. The lace-up sneakers are ideal for most restaurant workers who need ankle security as they pivot during busy shifts. Our tester also appreciated how breathable the upper material of these sneakers are, especially with their waterproofing overlay. They're well-priced. I hear so many cooks complain about how the expensive, orthopedic non-slip shoes may be worth the price once, but with the stink and stains that come with months of service, they need cheaper shoes that can be easily replaced once they're trashed. The Crocs On the Clock Work Sneaker is easy to clean and rewear for longer, and at $70, they aren't too painful to replace when the time comes. They're polished enough for front-of-house service. 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But the joint relief is worth it for some, and after testing the Asics GEL-Nimbus 27s for 100+ cumulative hours across international travel days, I can confirm this is a high-cushion sneaker that maintains its structure. They're highly breathable, even in the heat. The jacquard mesh upper is both roomy and breathable, with plush sock liners that feel soft around the ankles. The ventilation and expandable space made these sneakers comfortable and cool after they'd been on my feet for 20+ hours on a long summer travel day to Copenhagen. Best for walking: On Cloudtilt Their soft-but-rigid cushioning stays springy after standing all day. I've tested a lot of different walking shoes, and the On Cloudtilts strikes a perfect balance between cushioned and supportive. On's signature technology, CloudTec, builds the midsole out of firm foam cutouts, or "clouds," to provide structured support. These clouds are organized in a sequential collapse pattern, so they compress gradually in away that offers just the right amount of give. This allows for better balance and disperses the impact of walking all day, thereby reducing fatigue in your legs. The uppers feel super stretchy and breathable. The Cloudtilts use a knit upper made from 100% recycled polyester that feels more elastic and forgiving — especially if your feet tend to swell. It hugs your foot like a sock without trapping heat. One downside: The sock-like upper means you lose some structure and lateral stability, so it's not ideal if you pivot a lot on the job. The secure laces are easy to slip on and off. Dr. Parthasarathy says she finds lace up shoes are more supportive for standing and walking all day compared to one-size-fits-all slip ons. That said, sometimes you want a shoe that slips on and off easily. I love that this lace system lets you tighten across the top of the foot as needed, but has enough stretch and a simple stopper knot so you can slip them off without having to untie and re-tie every time. Best for working outdoors: Wolverine Overpass CarbonMax 6" Boot They're proper work boots — durable, weather-ready, and grippy. Wolverine has been making work gear since the early 1900s, with a long-standing reputation for quality and durability. While my husband has torn through other boots within half a landscaping or construction season, this pair showed no wear-and-tear (besides dirt stains) after two and a half months of heavy use. These boots are made with premium waterproof leather, an abrasion-resistant toe, and a ContourWelt construction that feels both flexible and secure. They have a composite safety toe. Wolverine's Overpass CarbonMax boots are made with a composite safety toe made from lightweight carbon fiber. This meets the ASTM standards for impact and compression, and feels more lightweight than steel-toed boots. Unlike steel, it also won't conduct heat or cold, making it a better choice for extreme weather. It's also thinner than traditional steel toes, giving your toes more wiggle room without sacrificing protection. They're comfortable for standing on soil or concrete. These boots required zero break in time and were comfortable for an all-day shift right out the shock-absorbing midsoles and removable Ortholite footbeds minimized foot fatigue, even after standing on concrete or uneven ground for 8+ hours. They also have a slight lift in the heel to take the pressure off your foot tendons. They're lightweight and breathable. Despite being incredibly durable and having that protective composite toe, these boots weigh just 1.63 pounds. And even though they're waterproof, they're still quite breathable thanks to a moisture-wicking mesh liner. They're backed by a 30-day comfort guarantee. 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With their slight heels and regular-width straps, these flip flops blend in perfectly with a casual summer outfit without screaming "sensible footwear." They do rub a little in the humidity. I don't think this is a deal breaker because no blisters formed, and they felt fine when I wore them for shorter stints in drier West Coast climates. But after two days of standing on subways, in line at museums, and walking around a humid late-June New York, the straps caused some friction between my toes and outer edge of my foot. I wore preventative Band-Aids, which fixed the issue. Best clogs: Dansko Platform Pro Their legendary support earns them podiatrists' praise. There's a reason "Dansko" is pretty much synonymous with "supportive clogs": The brand's shoes are built with a footbed like no other — contoured specifically to reduce strain on the feet, ankles, and lower leg and made with memory foam to learn your foot's curves the more you wear them. I wore the Platform Pro clogs during six-plus hours of standing at an outdoor concert, as well as many all-day stints at my standing desk. They offer me incredible arch support and strategic cushioning on certain areas where I want it most, like the ball of the foot. The heel counter is very firm, and there's a slight 0.5-inch heel-drop wedge — two features podiatrists recommend for lessening foot fatigue. They're slip-resistant. Designed with an outsole that grips on wet, dry, and oily surfaces, the Platform Pro is ideal for kitchens, hospitals, or anywhere with slick floors. The chrome-free, breathable lining keeps your feet from overheating through long shifts. The leather is super versatile and ages well. I particularly love how chic and versatile the leather Platform Pros are over any other Danskos. They pair nicely with jeans or slacks, so they're great for any dress code. They're not too clunky — though they're a bit loud, and not the most lightweight. The platform on these clogs gives them a bit of an elevated look, but they're also designed with Dansko's signature rocker sole to promote natural movement as you walk. This helps to minimize the clunkiness. That said, they aren't quite as lightweight as, say, the Sorel Caribou Clogs. They're also a little noisy to clomp around in on hardwood or concrete floors, so if you work in a quiet office, these might not be the best pick. Other shoes we tested Honorable mention: Crocs Bistro Work Clogs Many cooks and chefs prefer shoes that slip off easily in case of hot liquid spills. The Crocs Bistro Work Clogs do just that — and kept our kitchen tester's feet supported on countless 10+ hour shifts — while still offering Crocs Lock slip-resistant tread, toe protection, and a heel strap to keep your foot secure as you move around the kitchen. Dansko Bridget: With a double strap to hold your toes in place and Dansko's supportive contoured footbed, we found these sandals to be supportive. However, the heel cup was very narrow. Hey Dude Wally Work CE Classic Slip Resistant: These non-slip shoes are lightweight, have removable insoles, and are overall pretty comfortable, but they aren't breathable enough. : While we like the sleek and versatile aesthetic of these double-strap FitFlop sandals, they didn't provide enough arch support after three hours of standing. Consider them only if you have flat feet. Hoka Gaviota 5: While these are our favorite walking shoes for arch support, the Gaviota (and most Hokas, for that matter) aren't rigid enough to off-set the high cushioning. They started to feel too squishy after a few hours of standing in them. Nike Motiva: With a breathable upper, wide toe box, and balanced cushioning, the Nike Motivas proved to be comfortable for hours on your feet — though not quite as supportive as the Brooks Ghost 16s or Asics Gel Nimbus 27s. Oofos OOmy Zen: A slide-on, high-cushion sneaker from a great recovery footwear brand, these shoes are very comfortable for walking all day. They run a full size small and may be a little too cumbersome for some people, but if you're not a fan of the Asics Gel Nimbus 27s, these are a solid high-cushion alternative. : These lightweight boots are made with the same top-tier durability, composite toe, and high-traction outsoles as the Wolverine Overpass boots, and come with a cushioned, energy-returning footbed. They just take a little longer to break in. What to look for in the best shoes for standing all day "Wearing high-quality, comfortable footwear for standing all day lowers your risk of injury and other foot issues, such as plantar fasciitis or neuromas," says Dr. Parthasarathy. Conversely, choosing unsupportive footwear can create inflammatory conditions that may take months to resolve, Dr. Oldani adds. Here's what both experts recommend: A shoe that matches your activity. If you're walking a lot during your shift, you'll want something with more ankle support than clogs. If you're working construction, you need a boot durable enough to withstand flying debris. Cushioning. This is crucial to increasing shock absorption and reducing stress on your ankles. Rigidity. When you hold the shoe by heel and toe, you shouldn't be able to fold it in half. Supportive heel counter. A solid heel counter cradles your Achilles tendon and prevents you from excessively rolling your feet inward as you step (also called "overpronation"). Breathability. When you're in an active profession, even air flow prevents overheating. A slight wedge. A slight lift in the heel (half an inch, ideally) takes pressure off your Achilles and plantar fascia. Removable insoles. Ideally, you can place a custom orthotic in your shoe as needed. Secure straps. Some people find a lace-up shoe provides better support for standing all day because it keeps your foot in for sandals, look for styles with adjustable ankle straps, including one over the toes for better stabilization. FAQs What are the best shoes for standing all day? After testing 22 pairs of shoes, we think the Brooks Ghost 16s are the best shoe for most people who spend hours on their feet. They're cushioned to absorb shock, but rigid enough to not fold in half, with a firm and supportive heel counter. Are flat shoes good for standing all day? No, flat shoes aren't ideal. You actually want a shoe with a slight 0.5-inch heel, as this helps take strain off your foot tendons, and one with a supportive footbed, Dr. Priya Parthasarathy says. Are HOKAs good shoes for standing all day? It depends on which model, but for the most part, HOKAs are too flexible to be supportive over hours of standing. If you want a similar high-cushion shoe with a more rigid midsole for better support, opt for the Asics Gel Nimbus 27s. What should I do if my feet hurt after a long day of standing? If your feet hurt after standing all day, Dr. Priya Parthasarathy recommends rotating your shoes to provide different levels of cushion and support, stretching during and after your shift, and icing to reduce inflammation. She adds that wearing compression socks may also help.
