Study: High Blood Pressure Speeds Cognitive Decline in Middle-Aged, Older Adults

A study in Hypertension found middle-aged and older adults with elevated blood pressure are at greater risk for more rapid cognitive decline, reports United Press International . The data associated systolic blood pressures between 121 and 139 or diastolic blood pressures between 81 and 89 with accelerated declines in cognitive performance. This was especially relevant if middle-aged and older adults with these readings were not taking blood pressure medication. Moreover, the rate of cognitive decline occurred regardless of how long people had elevated blood pressure, meaning that elevated blood pressure for even a short time may heighten the risk for dementia. "Effectively treating high blood pressure at any age in adulthood could reduce or prevent this acceleration," said Professor Sandhi M. Barreto at Brazil's Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais.