A recent study from the University of Miami has revealed new insights into how blood pressure affects our brain as we get older.
The findings suggest that managing our blood pressure might help protect our brains from memory loss, strokes, and falls.
Blood pressure is the force of blood moving through our arteries. It is measured using two numbers. The first number is called systolic pressure. It shows how hard the blood pushes when the heart beats.
The second number is diastolic pressure, which shows the pressure when the heart rests between beats. Doctors become concerned when diastolic pressure is 80 or higher because it means there is too much pressure even when the heart is resting.
The study focused on white matter lesions in the brain. These lesions are like small scars that interfere with the brain’s ability to send messages. This can cause problems with thinking, memory, and balance.
The researchers studied more than 1,200 people aged 50 and older. They discovered that people with lower diastolic blood pressure (below 80) had fewer white matter lesions than those with higher diastolic pressure (above 90). This was a surprising discovery because most attention has usually been on systolic pressure as the main concern for brain health.
The study also showed that some parts of the brain are more affected than others. When diastolic pressure is too high, it may damage tiny blood vessels in certain areas, leading to more brain lesions.
This is a big concern because white matter acts like highways in the brain. When these highways have damage—like potholes on a road—it becomes harder for the brain to work properly.
As people age, white matter lesions become more common. About 1 in 5 people in their 60s have them, and the number increases with age. These brain scars can increase the risk of falls, strokes, and trouble thinking clearly.
But the good news from this study is that keeping diastolic pressure in a healthy range may help reduce the number of these brain scars. This could mean better brain health, clearer thinking, and better balance in older age.
Michelle R. Caunca, who led the study, says that caring for our blood pressure is not just important for heart health. It’s also vital for keeping our brains healthy. By regularly checking our blood pressure and working with our doctors, we can protect both our hearts and our minds.
In summary, this study shows that managing diastolic blood pressure—especially keeping it below 80—can help lower the risk of brain problems as we age. It’s a simple but powerful way to stay healthy, protect memory, and prevent serious conditions like strokes.
Keeping track of blood pressure and talking to your doctor about it could be one of the best steps you take for your long-term brain health.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and natural coconut sugar could help reduce blood pressure and artery stiffness.
For more health information, please see recent studies about added sugar in your diet linked to higher blood pressure, and results showing vitamin D could improve blood pressure in people with diabetes.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
