Treating high blood pressure may help lower risk of cognitive decline
In the journals
- Reviewed by Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
People with high blood pressure can greatly reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease by aggressively driving down their blood pressure numbers. A study published Feb. 11, 2025, in Neurology suggests the effort may have another benefit: reducing the risk of cognitive decline. Researchers used data from the SPRINT study, which compared intensive treatment to standard treatment of systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) among people with high blood pressure.
SPRINT's researchers focused on 9,361 patients over age 50, who were randomly assigned to a systolic blood pressure goal of either less than 120 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) — intensive treatment — or less than 140 mm Hg (standard treatment). After seven years, those who had undergone intensive treatment had an 11% lower risk for mild cognitive impairment compared with people who had received standard treatment. The findings suggest that keeping blood pressure closer to 120 mm Hg may be more beneficial for brain health.
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About the Author
Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
About the Reviewer
Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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