Fluctuating blood pressure could be linked to cognitive and memory problems.
- Older people whose blood pressure fluctuates over time may be more likely to have memory problems.
- However, the association between blood pressure fluctuation and cognitive decline was only observed in people of African descent.
- The study does not prove that blood pressure fluctuations cause thinking problems. The researchers specify that it only shows the existence of a link.
Repeated blood pressure fluctuations could be a risk factor for memory and cognitive function problems according to a new American study. However, the association would only be observed in people of African origin, specify the researchers whose work was published in the journal Neurology on December 11, 2024.
Cognitive problem and blood pressure: different results depending on ethnic origin
To assess the impact of heart health on cognitive abilities, the team brought together 4,770 people whose average age was 71 years. 66% of the participants of them were African American while the rest were Caucasian. Their blood pressure was taken at the start of the experiment, then every three years for ten years on average. At the same time, they took tests of thinking ability and memory at the first and last visits.
The volunteers were divided into three groups based on how their blood pressure changed over time. Data analysis showed differences by ethnicity. Among African Americans, those whose blood pressure varied the most had lower scores on cognitive tests than others. The difference in scores was equivalent to 2.8 years of cognitive aging. This link was not seen in Caucasian participants. Furthermore, the authors specify that their results do not prove that fluctuations in blood pressure cause problems with thinking skills, “it only shows an association.”
Alzheimer’s: watch out for blood pressure fluctuations
Study author Dr. Anisa Dhana and her colleagues call for greater attention to the heart health of seniors, particularly those of African origin.
“These results suggest that fluctuations in blood pressure constitute a risk factor for cognitive impairment beyond the negative effects of high blood pressure itself”explains the specialist in a press release. “Older people need to have their blood pressure regularly monitored and any changes over time so that we can identify people who may have this problem and work to alleviate it, which could potentially contribute to preventing or delaying cognitive disorders.”
“With our aging society and the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease, identifying prevention strategies to slow the decline of cognitive abilities in older adults has become a public health priority. Managing blood pressure and its fluctuations becomes an essential risk factor that can be modified”concludes Dr. Dhana.
