Fluctuating blood pressure in older adults may be connected to declines in memory and thinking skills, according to a new study published in Neurology.
The research found this association specifically among Black participants but not in white participants, adding to our understanding of risk factors for cognitive problems.
The study, led by Dr. Anisa Dhana of Rush University in Chicago, doesn’t prove that blood pressure variability causes cognitive decline but highlights an important link.
“These results suggest that fluctuations in blood pressure could be an independent risk factor for cognitive issues beyond the effects of high blood pressure itself,” Dhana said.
She emphasized the importance of regularly monitoring blood pressure and its changes over time in older adults, as early intervention could potentially prevent or delay memory problems.
The study included 4,770 participants, with an average age of 71. Among them, 66% were Black, and the rest were white.
Blood pressure was measured at the beginning of the study and then every three years over a 10-year period. Participants also completed cognitive tests at the start of the study and again at their final visit.
On average, participants had a blood pressure reading of 138/78 mmHg, which is above the threshold for high blood pressure (130/80 mmHg or higher).
Black participants had greater fluctuations in their systolic blood pressure—the top number in a reading—averaging 18 mmHg over time, compared to 16 mmHg for white participants.
The researchers divided participants into three groups based on the amount their blood pressure varied over the study period.
Among Black participants, those with the highest variability in blood pressure performed worse on cognitive tests compared to those with the least variability. The difference in cognitive scores was equivalent to 2.8 years of additional aging.
Interestingly, for participants taking blood pressure medication at the start of the study, there was no significant difference in cognitive outcomes, regardless of their blood pressure variability.
This suggests that managing blood pressure with medication might reduce the impact of fluctuations on cognitive health.
“With an aging population and rising rates of Alzheimer’s disease, it’s crucial to identify strategies that can help slow cognitive decline in older adults,” Dhana said. “Controlling blood pressure and minimizing fluctuations is an emerging modifiable risk factor.”
The study does have limitations. It only included Black and white participants, so the findings may not apply to other racial or ethnic groups.
Despite this, the results underscore the need for further research into how blood pressure management could play a role in preventing memory and thinking problems as people age.
For older adults, these findings highlight the importance of consistent blood pressure monitoring and management, particularly for those at higher risk of cognitive decline. By addressing variability in blood pressure early, it may be possible to preserve brain health and quality of life in later years.
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The research findings can be found in Neurology.
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