Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
Published on: April 23, 2021
Blood pressure and cognitive function in an African-American and a Caucasian-American sample: the Maine-Syracuse
Michael A Robbins1, Merrill F Elias, Penelope K Elias
1Department of Psychology, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5742, USA. mar@umit.maine.edu
Objective:
The primary purpose of this study was to examine associations between indices of blood pressure (BP) and cognitive function for African-American participants in the Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Study (MSLS). Corresponding data for the Caucasian-American MSLS participants were included to provide a basis for comparison. Interactions of age with BP indices were also assessed in relation to cognitive function.
Methods:
Data were drawn from the baseline MSLS questionnaires, medical interviews and examinations, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale subtests, and measurements of BP for 1563 participants, of whom 147 were African American. Multiple linear regression analyses were employed to examine the relationship between several BP predictors and cognitive outcomes with statistical adjustment for demographic, psychosocial, and cardiovascular risk factors.
Results:
Significant inverse associations between BP indices and cognitive performance were obtained for both racial cohorts but were generally of higher magnitude for the African-American cohort. Interactions of BP with age were not obtained for any of the cognitive test scores.
Conclusions:
Elevations in BP are associated with poorer cognitive function for African-American and Caucasian-American cohorts. These associations are similar for younger and older participants.
Related Concept Videos
Factors affecting Blood pressure
Physiological Factors:
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
Language and Cognition
Blood Pressure
The average BP in an adult is typically around 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). In this measurement, the numerator (120) indicates the systolic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries during the contraction of the heart's ventricles as blood is expelled. The denominator (80) represents the diastolic...
