A recent study has highlighted a significant link between blood pressure variation and cognitive decline, focusing on both white and Black older adults. Conducted by Rush University in Chicago, the research involved 4,770 individuals aged 65 or older, with an average age of 71.3 years. The study aimed to understand how fluctuating blood pressure affects cognitive abilities over time, revealing that excessive variations could pose a risk to mental acuity.
The participants, primarily from the south side of Chicago, included 66% Black individuals and 34% white individuals. Researchers divided them into three distinct groups based on their blood pressure variation: high, medium, and low. The study noted a mean difference of 12.5 mm Hg in blood pressure variation between visits. Specifically, the difference was 15 mm Hg between the first and second visit and 10 mm Hg between the second and third visit.
The findings underscore the potential impact of blood pressure fluctuations on cognitive health. Anisa Dhana, MD, the study's author, emphasized the importance of identifying prevention strategies for cognitive decline in an aging population.
“With our aging society and the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease, identifying prevention strategies to slow the decline of cognitive skills in older adults has become a public health priority,” said Anisa Dhana, MD.
Dr. Dhana acknowledged that while the results support previous research on the subject, they come with certain limitations. Most notably, the study's focus on a specific geographic area may limit its applicability to other regions or ethnic backgrounds. Despite these constraints, the research provides valuable insights into the relationship between blood pressure and cognitive function in older adults.
Alan Rozanski, MD, a professor of medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, weighed in on the findings. He indicated that while the tools to monitor blood pressure phenomena are still evolving, there is a clear link between dynamic blood pressure variations and potential end-organ damage.
“Absolutely [it could], but the tools to monitor these phenomena are still being developed,” remarked Alan Rozanski, MD.
“I suspect that the more dynamic variations throughout a given day may truly underly the mechanisms suspected to cause end-organ damage,” he added.
Dr. Rozanski also offered practical advice on maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. He recommended reducing excessive sodium intake as a fundamental strategy to manage blood pressure effectively. Additionally, he advised limiting or avoiding foods known to contribute to high sodium levels, such as fried foods, processed meats, and commercial baked goods.
The study's implications are significant for public health, particularly as societies worldwide grapple with aging populations and increasing cases of Alzheimer's disease. By identifying blood pressure variation as a potential risk factor for cognitive decline, healthcare professionals may develop more targeted strategies for prevention and intervention.
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