Scientists claim ultrasound can detect the likelihood of dementia

The study included monitoring the pulse force, has been carried out by scientists at University College London. When the heart contracts the resulting physical pulse reaches different parts of the body at different intensity. According to the scientists healthy elastic vessels near the heart tend to soften each heartbeat, suppressing its energy, and thus protecting the fragile blood vessels in the body. But various factors like aging and high blood pressure can negatively affect vascular flexibility and reduce their protective effect. As a result, the more powerful pulse can damage the fragile vessels of the brain. Sooner or later, this may cause damage to small cerebral vessels, structural changes in the blood vessel system of the brain and minor bleeding (mini-strokes), resulting the development of dementia. The 15 years’ study involved 3200 middle-aged volunteers. In 2002, they underwent an ultrasonic examination, which determined the heartbeat intensity. The scientists tested the patients on memorization and problem solving abilities. If the heart rate was higher, the likelihood of a decreased cognitive ability was 50% higher as well.

SOURCE: UNIAN