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As if we needed more warnings about high blood pressure, Brazilian research¹ has shown that hypertension, even for short periods in middle-aged and older adults, can increase the rate of cognitive decline. Cognitive decline is a normal part of aging, but issues such as high blood pressure can speed up the process. For some, however, this can turn into more severe conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. Cognitive function includes memory, concentration, attention span, thinking, and fluency.
Of particular concern is that estimates now show upwards of half of all adults in the United States have high blood pressure.
Interestingly, the research did not show any appreciable difference associated with the age of onset. One would imagine that high blood pressure at an earlier age would lead to more severe cognitive decline later, but this was not the case. The research shows that even mild high blood pressure contributed to the decline.
On a more positive note, controlling high blood pressure has the opposite effect. Reducing your blood pressure can lower your risk of cognitive decline.
Our Take
High blood pressure is linked to several cardiovascular concerns, including increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. The brain feeds off oxygen-rich blood flow, and it stands to reason that its ability would decline if this blood flow were somehow compromised. The root causes of high blood pressure do just that. As such, this new research adds to the urgency of treating high blood pressure.
When we treat hypertension, we look to start with the most conservative option available – lifestyle change in the form of diet and exercise. However, many patients find it difficult to sustain this lifestyle change, and we often must move on to medications. Ultimately, no matter how we get blood pressure under control, it has clear benefits over leaving it untreated.
If you are suffering from chronic high blood pressure, we encourage you to visit one of our qualified cardiologists to learn more about treatment options and to start a treatment regimen as soon as possible.
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References:
- de Menezes ST, Giatti L, Brant LCC, Griep RH, Schmidt MI, Duncan BB, Suemoto CK, Ribeiro ALP, Barreto SM. Hypertension, Prehypertension, and Hypertension Control: Association With Decline in Cognitive Performance in the ELSA-Brasil Cohort. Hypertension. 2021 Feb;77(2):672-681. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.120.16080. Epub 2020 Dec 14. PMID: 33307849.
