Abnormal blood pressure in middle age and later life increases dementia risk

In a study that spanned two and a half decades and looked at data from more than 4,700 participants, Johns Hopkins researchers have added to evidence that abnormal blood pressure in midlife that persists into later life increases the likelihood of developing dementia. Although not designed to show cause and effect, the study suggests that maintaining a healthy blood pressure throughout life may be one way to help decrease one's risk of losing brain function.

"Our results suggest that one's blood pressure during midlife may influence how blood pressure later in life relates to dementia risk," says Keenan Walker, assistant professor of neurology at the School of Medicine. "We found that individuals with high blood pressure in midlife may benefit from targeting their blood pressure to normal levels in later life, as having blood pressure that is too high or too low in late life may further increase dementia risk."

In their study, which was published last week in JAMA, researchers found that those people with the high blood pressure condition hypertension during middle age and during late life were 49% more likely to develop dementia than those with normal blood pressure at both times. But at even greater risk were those who had hypertension in middle age and low blood pressure in late life—it increased one's dementia risk by 62%.

High blood pressure was considered any measurement more than 140/90 millimeters of mercury, whereas low blood pressure was defined as less than 90/60 millimeters of mercury. A cognitive exam, caregiver reports, hospitalization discharge codes, and death certificates were used to classify participant brain function and determine cognitive impairment.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 75 million people in the U.S. have high blood pressure, which can be the result of genetics or the result of not enough exercise and poor diet. As people age, the top blood pressure number (systolic) oftentimes increases while the bottom number (diastolic) can decrease due to structural changes in the blood vessels. Stiffening of the arteries from disease and physical frailty can also lead to low blood pressure in late life. Walker says dementia itself may lead to a lowering of blood pressure, as it may disrupt the brain's autonomic nervous system.