(HealthDay News) — Keeping your blood pressure in check is important for more than just heart health — it can also keep your brain sharp as you age.
A new study published Dec. 11 in the journal Neurology shows that seniors whose blood pressure spikes and drops over time might be more likely to suffer a decline in their thinking and memory skills.
“These results suggest that fluctuation in blood pressure is a risk factor for cognitive problems beyond the negative effects of high blood pressure itself,” said researcher Dr. Anisa Dhana, a postdoctoral researcher with Rush University in Chicago.
For the study, researchers recruited nearly 4,800 people with an average age of 71. Participants had their blood pressure tested regularly over three years, and completed thinking and memory skills tests at the beginning and end of the 10-year study.
Overall, participants had an average blood pressure of 138/78. High blood pressure is defined as 130/80 or higher.
It’s important to note, however, that this study was observational and could not draw a direct cause-and-effect link between blood pressure and brain health, Dhana noted.
Results showed that people whose blood pressure fluctuated the most experienced nearly three additional years of brain aging, based on cognitive tests.
On the other hand, people taking blood pressure medications showed no difference in scores on thinking tests by the end of the study, researchers said.
“Older adults should be routinely monitored for their blood pressure and any changes over time so we can identify people who may have this issue and work to alleviate it, which could potentially help to prevent or delay cognitive problems,” Dhana noted in a journal news release.
Black participants tended to have more variation in their blood pressure than whites, researchers found, and that also led to lower scores on cognitive tests.
“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,” Dhana said. “Managing blood pressure and its fluctuations is emerging as an essential risk factor that can be modified.”
How does blood pressure affect brain function?
Blood pressure, the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries, plays a crucial role in maintaining brain health. When blood pressure is within a healthy range, it ensures adequate blood flow to the brain, delivering essential oxygen and nutrients. This optimal blood flow is vital for proper brain function, including cognitive processes like thinking, memory, and concentration.
However, both high and low blood pressure can have detrimental effects on the brain.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
- Vascular Damage: Prolonged high blood pressure can damage the delicate blood vessels in the brain, leading to reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to specific areas. This can result in cognitive impairment, including difficulty with memory, attention, and problem-solving.
- Increased Stroke Risk: Hypertension is a major risk factor for stroke, a condition that occurs when blood supply to the brain is interrupted. A stroke can cause severe brain damage, leading to paralysis, speech difficulties, and even death.
- Accelerated Brain Aging: High blood pressure can accelerate the aging process of the brain, contributing to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
- Insufficient Blood Flow: Low blood pressure can reduce blood flow to the brain, depriving it of essential oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to dizziness, fainting, and impaired cognitive function.
- Dizziness and Fatigue: Low blood pressure can cause dizziness and fatigue, which can further impact cognitive performance and daily activities.
Maintaining healthy blood pressure is essential for optimal brain function. Regular monitoring, a healthy lifestyle, and appropriate medical treatment can help manage blood pressure and reduce the risk of associated brain complications.
More information
Harvard Medical School has more on blood pressure and the brain.
SOURCE: American Academy of Neurology, news release, Dec. 11, 2024