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High Blood Pressure: A Cause of Dementia?

January 15th, 2008 | by David Reiner, M.D. |

                                  

Cognitive impairment is the decline in higher level thought processes of the brain, such as the ability to interpret information, make decisions or memory function.  The risk of cognitive decline increases with advanced age.  In the early stages of this process, this is only detected with careful testing with specially designed mental exams.

This population based study by investigators at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons found that a history of high blood pressure is related to a higher risk of developing mild cognitive impairment.  Approximately 1 out of 100 elderly individuals without dementia develop mild cognitive impairment each year.  Of this group, about 10% progress each year to having full blown dementia.  This compares to about only 1 to 2% of elderly individuals without mild cognitive impairment on brain testing that develop full blown dementia each year. 

This study suggests that prevention and treatment of high blood pressure may provide important protection on the development of cognitive impairment and dementia.

Reference: Reitz C et al, Archives of Neurology 2007;64(12):1734-40.

Tags: Aging, Cognitive Impairment, Dementia, hypertension