Excessive salt consumption linked to hypertension-induced dementia

A recent study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology has shed light on the association between excessive salt consumption and cognitive impairment resulting from hypertension

Dementia, characterized by the deterioration of cognitive function, is a widespread condition in Japan, presenting a significant challenge due to the scarcity of effective treatment options.

With the global population aging at a rapid pace, the development of preventive and therapeutic drugs for dementia has become increasingly vital.

A recent study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology has shed light on the association between excessive salt consumption and cognitive impairment resulting from hypertension.

This pioneering research, conducted by a collaborative team of Japanese researchers, identifies potential therapeutic targets to tackle this critical issue.

The impact of excessive salt consumption on hypertension and cognitive function

Excess table salt consumption, a common food seasoning, has been associated with cognitive impairment.

Moreover, high salt intake can lead to hypertension, a condition characterized by high blood pressure.

The World Health Organization recommends limiting salt intake to less than 5 grams per day to prevent adverse health outcomes.

The study explores the involvement of angiotensin II (Ang II) and its receptor “AT1,” as well as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and its receptor “EP1,” in hypertension and emotional/cognitive impairment.

Investigating HS-mediated hypertension and emotional/cognitive impairment

Author Hisayoshi Kubota from Fujita Health University’s Graduate School of Health Science notes the insufficient investigation of the association between excessive salt intake and its impact on the peripheral and central nervous system.

Author Hisayoshi Kubota comments, “Excessive salt intake is considered a risk factor for hypertension, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia.

“However, studies focusing on the interaction between the peripheral and central nervous system have not sufficiently investigated this association.”

To address this knowledge gap, the research team thoroughly evaluated HS-mediated hypertension and emotional/cognitive impairment.

The study involved laboratory mice that were exposed to an HS solution (2% NaCl in drinking water) for 12 weeks while monitoring their blood pressure.

The team examined the effects of HS intake on emotional/cognitive function and tau phosphorylation in key areas of the mouse brain—the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus.

Additionally, they investigated the involvement of the Ang II-AT1 and PGE2-EP1 systems in HS-induced hypertension and neuronal/behavioral impairment.

Dr. Akihiro Mouri, a Professor at Fujita Health University’s School of Health Sciences, explains, “The effects of HS intake on emotional/cognitive function and tau phosphorylation were also examined in two key areas of the mouse brain—the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus.”

Potential therapeutic targets to protect against cognitive impairment

The results of the study revealed significant biochemical alterations in the brains of the mice exposed to excessive salt consumption.

The addition of phosphates to the tau protein, a key protein associated with Alzheimer’s disease, was identified as a primary factor contributing to emotional and cognitive consequences.

Notably, the study demonstrated that the biochemical changes were reversed after administering the antihypertensive drug “losartan” or knocking out the EP1 gene.

The study highlights the association between high salt consumption, hypertension, and cognitive impairment.

It uncovers the involvement of the angiotensin II-AT1 and prostaglandin E2-EP1 systems in HS-mediated hypertension and emotional/cognitive dysfunction.

This study is of social and economic importance

Prof. Mouri concludes, “This study is of particular social and economic importance because the annual social cost of dementia treatment in Japan is surging like never before.

“Therefore, developing preventive and therapeutic drugs for dementia seems critical for Japan’s rapidly aging population.”

These findings offer promising insights into novel therapeutic targets for addressing hypertension-induced dementia.

Further research in this area could lead to the development of preventive and therapeutic interventions to mitigate the cognitive consequences associated with excessive salt intake.