A study published in Neurology suggests a significant link between fluctuating blood pressure and cognitive decline among older adults, particularly affecting Black participants. Those with the highest variability in systolic blood pressure demonstrated lower cognitive test scores, corresponding to nearly three years of cognitive aging. This correlation was not observed in white participants or individuals taking blood pressure medications.
Conducted over an average of ten years with 4,770 participants (66% Black), the study aimed to investigate the cognitive impacts of blood pressure variations. While the average blood pressure of participants was 138/78 mmHg, Black individuals showed a higher biological variability in systolic blood pressure (18 mmHg) compared to whites (16 mmHg). The findings indicate that greater blood pressure variability is a potential risk factor for cognitive decline beyond the effects of consistently high blood pressure.
Researchers emphasize the importance of monitoring blood pressure changes in older adults as a preventative measure against cognitive deterioration, especially given the rising concerns about Alzheimer’s disease. However, the study’s scope limited its applicability to other racial groups. The research underscores the need for effective blood pressure management to potentially safeguard cognitive health.
