Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 8, 2026

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
07:30

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions

Published on: April 23, 2021

Blood pressure decrease correlates with tau pathology and memory decline in hypertensive elderly

Lidia Glodzik1, Henry Rusinek, Elizabeth Pirraglia

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Center for Brain Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Radiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.

Neurobiology of Aging
|August 24, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Hypertension (HTN) may make individuals sensitive to blood pressure (BP) reductions, potentially impacting memory and Alzheimer's biomarkers. Lowering BP in those with HTN requires careful consideration due to increased brain vulnerability.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Gerontology
  • Cardiovascular Science

Background:

  • Hypertension (HTN) alters cerebral blood flow regulation, potentially increasing brain vulnerability to reduced blood pressure (BP).
  • Cognitively healthy elderly individuals with HTN may have a higher threshold for safe BP maintenance.
  • The impact of longitudinal BP changes on Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers in this population is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of AD.
  • To examine the association of MAP changes with memory decline and hippocampal atrophy.
  • To determine if these relationships differ between individuals with and without HTN.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study of 77 cognitively healthy elderly subjects (25 with HTN) assessed twice over approximately 2 years.
  • Evaluations included medical history, neuropsychological testing, lumbar puncture for CSF biomarkers, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
  • Analysis focused on changes in MAP, CSF phosphorylated tau (p-tau(181)), verbal episodic memory, and hippocampal volume (HipV).

Main Results:

  • No baseline differences in CSF biomarkers, HipV, or memory scores between hyper- and normotensive groups.
  • Increased p-tau(181) correlated with memory decline and HipV reduction in the overall group.
  • A longitudinal decrease in MAP was significantly associated with memory decline and increased p-tau(181) specifically in the hypertensive group.

Conclusions:

  • The hypertensive group demonstrated sensitivity to BP reductions, linking decreased MAP to cognitive decline and AD biomarker changes.
  • Findings suggest that hypertensive individuals may be more vulnerable to the effects of lowered BP on brain health.
  • Further research is needed to understand the clinical implications of BP management in hypertensive elderly individuals concerning cognitive function and AD pathology.

Keywords:
CSF biomarkersCognitionLow blood pressure

More Related Videos

The Antihypertensive Effects and Mechanisms of Huotan Jiedu Tongluo Decoction in Rats with H-Type Hypertension05:57

The Antihypertensive Effects and Mechanisms of Huotan Jiedu Tongluo Decoction in Rats with H-Type Hypertension

Published on: May 17, 2024

Cell-based Assay to Study Antibody-mediated Tau Clearance by Microglia07:18

Cell-based Assay to Study Antibody-mediated Tau Clearance by Microglia

Published on: November 9, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology01:29

Hypertension II: Pathophysiology

Hypertension is a chronic condition in which the blood's force against artery walls is excessively high, posing risks such as heart disease. The condition's underlying mechanisms involve complex interactions among the cardiovascular, kidney, and autonomic nervous systems.Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): This system significantly influences blood pressure regulation. When blood pressure decreases, the kidneys secrete renin. This enzyme transforms angiotensinogen, a plasma protein,...
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
Alterations in Blood Pressure01:30

Alterations in Blood Pressure

Alterations in blood pressure, such as hypertension (high blood pressure) and hypotension (low blood pressure), significantly affect human health. Understanding these conditions' classifications, causes, and symptoms is essential for effective management and treatment.
Hypertension (High blood pressure)
Hypertension occurs when blood pressure readings consistently exceed the normal range. It is diagnosed when systolic blood pressure (the top number, indicating pressure while the heart beats)...
Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology01:23

Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology

Alzheimer disease involves structural changes in the brain that begin long before symptoms appear. The most distinctive features are extracellular neuritic plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles.Neuritic plaques form in the cerebral cortex and around blood vessels. These plaques contain a dense core of beta-amyloid (Aβ)—a toxic protein fragment that clumps outside neurons. The core is surrounded by damaged neuronal extensions, as well as reactive astrocytes and microglia. Abnormal...
Factors affecting Blood pressure01:28

Factors affecting Blood pressure

Several physiological and lifestyle factors influence blood pressure (BP). Understanding these factors is crucial as they are significant in patient education and blood pressure management.
Physiological Factors: