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Effects of hypotension and hypertension on source memory and working memory
Selene Cansino1, Frine Torres-Trejo1, Cinthya Estrada-Manilla1
1Laboratory of NeuroCognition, Faculty of Psychology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico.
Aging & Mental Health
|July 6, 2021
Summary
Both high and low blood pressure negatively impact memory. This study found poorer source memory in hypertensive and hypotensive individuals, and impaired working memory in hypertensive participants.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cardiovascular Health
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Chronic hypertension and hypotension have unclear effects on memory due to conflicting research.
- Participant misclassification has contributed to inconsistent findings in previous studies.
- Blood pressure abnormalities are associated with significant cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare source memory and working memory performance in individuals with hypotension or hypertension against normotensive controls.
- To investigate the impact of treated hypertension and hypotension on specific memory functions.
- To clarify the relationship between blood pressure status and cognitive performance.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 1656 participants was screened, identifying 219 hypertensive and 37 hypotensive individuals.
- Hypertensive and hypotensive participants, receiving medical treatment, were matched with normotensive controls based on age, education, and sex.
- Computerized tasks were utilized to assess source memory accuracy and working memory discrimination.
Main Results:
- Individuals with hypotension and hypertension demonstrated poorer source memory accuracy compared to normotensive individuals.
- Hypertensive participants exhibited inferior spatial working memory discrimination relative to their normotensive counterparts.
- Both conditions significantly impaired key memory functions essential for daily living.
Conclusions:
- Blood pressure abnormalities, including hypertension and hypotension, adversely affect critical memory functions.
- Impaired memory performance in hypertensive and hypotensive individuals highlights the importance of blood pressure management for cognitive health.
- These findings underscore the link between blood pressure regulation and the maintenance of a self-sufficient lifestyle.
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