Two new studies on the connection between hypertension and cognitive decline

With the number of individuals affected by cognitive decline expected to rise over the next few decades, investigating its potential causes is of major public health interest.

Two new studies published July 2 in the American Journal of Hypertension delve into the connection between hypertension and cognitive decline.

Racial disparity in cognitive and functional disability in hypertension and its mortality

Researchers assessed the prevalence and racial disparity of subjective cognitive and functional limitations and their impact on mortality in the hypertensive US population. The results show that the prevalence of cognitive and functional disability is larger in the US hypertensive population than the non-hypertensive population, and both are associated with greater mortality. Hypertensive African Americans, who bear the greatest burden of hypertension, carry a disproportionate burden of these limitations.

Hypertension, Dietary Sodium, and Cognitive Decline: Results from the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study

In this study, the authors investigated the relationships of hypertension, antihypertensive treatment, and sodium intake on cognitive decline in older women. The findings indicate that women with antihypertensive treatment and uncontrolled blood pressure showed the highest risk for developing cognitive decline. Sodium intake did not modify the risk for cognitive decline in women with hypertension or those taking antihypertensive medication.