New research conducted by Australian scientists suggests that fluctuating blood pressure can increase the risk of dementia and vascular problems in older individuals. The study, led by researchers from the University of South Australia (UniSA), reveals that short-term fluctuations in blood pressure within a 24-hour period, as well as over several days or weeks, are associated with cognitive impairment. The study also found that higher variations in systolic blood pressure (the top number that measures arterial pressure during a heartbeat) are connected to arterial stiffness, which is a known risk factor for heart disease. The research findings have been published in the Cerebral Circulation – Cognition and Behaviour journal.
Lead author Daria Gutteridge, a Ph.D. candidate at UniSA’s Cognitive Ageing and Impairment Neuroscience Laboratory (CAIN), highlights the fact that while high blood pressure is recognized as a risk factor for dementia, not enough attention has been given to the impact of fluctuating blood pressure. To delve deeper into the mechanisms that link blood pressure fluctuations with dementia, the UniSA researchers enlisted 70 healthy older adults between the ages of 60 and 80 who displayed no signs of cognitive impairment or dementia.
The participants’ blood pressure was monitored, and they completed a cognitive test as part of the study. In addition, the researchers used transcranial Doppler sonography and pulse wave analysis to measure arterial stiffness in the brain and arteries. The study found that the observed links between blood pressure fluctuations and cognitive impairment were present in older adults without any clinically relevant cognitive impairment. This suggests that blood pressure variability could be used as an early clinical marker or treatment target for cognitive impairment.
The study sheds light on the importance of monitoring blood pressure fluctuations in older adults, particularly as an indicator of dementia risk. Fluctuating blood pressure has previously been associated with negative health outcomes, including stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease. However, this research adds to the growing evidence that it may also play a crucial role in the development of dementia.
Dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 50 million people worldwide are currently living with dementia, and this number is expected to triple by 2050. Identifying risk factors and potential early markers for cognitive impairment is therefore crucial in order to develop effective prevention strategies.
The findings of this study could have far-reaching implications for the diagnosis and management of dementia. By assessing blood pressure variability, physicians and healthcare providers may be able to identify individuals at a higher risk of developing cognitive impairment. This would enable earlier interventions and targeted treatments to potentially delay or even prevent the onset of dementia.
Further research is required to better understand the underlying mechanisms linking blood pressure fluctuations and cognitive impairment. However, the study’s results provide a significant step forward in recognizing the role of blood pressure variability in dementia prevention. It highlights the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring and management, particularly in older individuals, to reduce the risk of developing this debilitating condition.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
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