A new study has found that people with fluctuating blood pressure are at an increased risk of cognitive decline. The study, which followed over 18,000 people for 18 years, found that those with the most variation in their blood pressure had the poorest scores on cognitive tests. This effect was strongest in older Black men, who experienced an extra 2.8 years of cognitive aging.
The study’s findings suggest that maintaining a healthy blood pressure may help to reduce the risk of cognitive decline. This is important because cognitive decline can lead to dementia, a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
There are a number of things that people can do to help maintain a healthy blood pressure. These include eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. It is also important to get your blood pressure checked regularly by your doctor.
If you are concerned about your risk of cognitive decline, talk to your doctor. They can help you to assess your risk and recommend ways to reduce it.
Additional information from the document:
- The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
- The study participants were all adults aged 45 and older.
- The researchers measured blood pressure variability by calculating the standard deviation of systolic blood pressure over a 24-hour period.
- The cognitive tests that were used in the study included tests of memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
Conclusion
The findings of this study suggest that fluctuating blood pressure is a risk factor for cognitive decline. Maintaining a healthy blood pressure is important for reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
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