Blood Pressure Variability Linked to Cognitive Decline in Black Older Adults

Blood Pressure Variability Linked to Cognitive Decline in Black Older Adults. The research that appeared in Neurology, the official publication of the American Academy of Neurology, points at the increasing blood pressure and decreased cognition in older Black people. Its poorly timed release on December 11, 2024 shows that variance in blood pressure could contribute to accelerated cognitive aging that appears to be slightly less than a three-year loss. More importantly, this was found to be significant only for the Black participants but not for the white participants.

The study conducted by Dr. Anisa Dhana of Rush University in Chicago shows correlation rather than causation, but proves a critical role of tracking blood pressure trends. “These results indicate that variation in blood pressure and hypertension is a risk factor for worse cognition other than pure hypertension,” said Dr. Dhana. She said that patients should have blood pressure checks on a regular basis in order to manage any of such risks that may lead to dementia or its early signs, might be detected or reduced.

The study examined 4,770 patients, most of whom were 71 years old on average. Of them 66% said they were Black , while the rest said they were white. Systolic blood pressure readings were taken at baseline and on average, three, six and nine years later over a mean follow-up of 10 years. Participants also completed cognitive tests both at baseline and at the end of the study time.

In particular, the mean systolic blood pressure was 138±13 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure was 78±9 mmHg the criterion of hypertension was established as a blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg and above. The white subjects had smaller SD of SBP compared to that of the Black subjects with a mean of 18mmHg different from 16mmHg of white members.

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The study also divided the subjects according to the variation in blood pressure over time. And within the Black participants those with the highest variability were found to have significantly lower IQ scores as those in the least variable group. This difference was equivalent to 2.8 years of cognitive aging of the study participants. However, for participants using antihypertensive drugs at baseline, variability in blood pressure had no impact on cognitive outcomes demonstrated in this study.

In light of the observed results and trends in the escalation of the disease and an ageing population, Dr. Dhana supported his findings by touching on larger issues. “Defining the techniques that can help halt the deterioration of a particular cognitive ability in elderly individuals is one of the urgent goals of public health,” she said. As for AD, it seemed reasonable to speculate that managing blood pressure variability might be one of the modifiable risk factors for preventing cognitive decline.

The study also presented its limitation that it targeted Black and White participants. Therefore, the results may not generalizable to patients of colour from other racial or ethnic origins.

Although, the examination of the processes generating these outcomes is beyond the scope of the study, the result suggests that blood pressure control is an essential portfolio towards retaining cognitive functioning. For this, Black older adults ought to benefit from regular surveillance as well as anticipatory management of dysregulated blood pressure patterns since such an approach might convey significant benefits regarding the preservation of cognition and general well-being.