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Updated: Dec 15, 2025
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Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
Published on: April 23, 2021
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Hypertension and changes in cognitive function in a Mediterranean population
Cristina Razquin1,2,3, Covadonga Menéndez-Acebal1, Sebastián Cervantes4
1Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
Nutritional Neuroscience
|July 9, 2020
Summary
Hypertension is linked to cognitive decline in older adults. However, a Mediterranean diet may protect against this decline, suggesting lifestyle changes can impact brain health.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Cognitive decline and dementia pose significant public health challenges.
- Identifying modifiable risk factors is crucial for prevention and delaying progression.
- Hypertension is a prevalent condition with potential links to cognitive impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between hypertension and cognitive function.
- To determine if adherence to the Mediterranean diet modifies the hypertension-cognition association.
- To investigate long-term cognitive changes in relation to hypertension and diet.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of 764 participants (SUN cohort) aged over 55.
- Cognitive function assessed using the Spanish Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS-m) at baseline and 6-year follow-up.
- Multivariable-adjusted linear regression models analyzed hypertension, Mediterranean diet adherence, and cognitive change.
Main Results:
- Hypertensive participants showed a greater decline in cognitive function over 6 years compared to non-hypertensive individuals.
- The negative association between hypertension and cognition was more pronounced in those with low Mediterranean diet adherence.
- This detrimental effect of hypertension on cognition was not significant in individuals with high Mediterranean diet adherence.
Conclusions:
- Hypertension is associated with poorer cognitive function in this Mediterranean cohort.
- Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet may attenuate the negative impact of hypertension on cognitive function.
- Dietary patterns, like the Mediterranean diet, could play a role in mitigating hypertension-related cognitive decline.
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