Sir, – The single most important tip to maintain good brain health was only mentioned in passing in your article "How to maintain good brain health", July7th). It is surprising given one in three of the adult population is affected by the condition, and half of them don't even know it.
High blood pressure is the single greatest risk factor for stroke, but treating it works; lowering the top reading by just five points (mmHg) halves the risk of a future stroke. There is increasing evidence that treatment also reduces the risk of dementia.
While those with a family history of hypertension or stroke should be especially vigilant, everyone over 40 should know their blood pressure numbers.
– Yours, etc,
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Dr ANNETTE NEARY,
Barna,
Galway.