Does blood pressure affect the risk of cognitive decline and dementia?

Abstract

Hypertension (HTN) is known to be associated with cognitive decline and dementia. It causes cerebral vascular damage, which leads to pathological changes not only in vascular dementia but also in Alzheimer’s disease. Epidemiological evidence also suggests that HTN in midlife is probably a risk factor for dementia. Conversely, blood pressure variability or hypotension may also be associated with cerebral damage and cognitive decline. Blood pressure must be controlled for dementia prevention. We discuss the relationship between blood pressure dysregulation and cognitive decline and dementia with respect to current evidence and clinical research.