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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
PubMed

Insights

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.

Keywords:
Cognitive declineMediterranean dietSUN cohortcognitive functioncognitive screening testdementiahypertensionprimary prevention

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