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Updated: Aug 19, 2025

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
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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 cognitive dysfunction: a narrative review

Eun-Jin Cheon1

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu, Korea.

Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
|November 29, 2022
PubMed

Insights

High blood pressure in middle age significantly elevates the risk of cognitive decline and dementia later in life. Treating hypertension may help mitigate these risks and preserve cognitive function.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Geriatrics

Background:

  • Hypertension is often overlooked as a contributor to cognitive dysfunction.
  • Middle-aged hypertension is linked to increased risks of cognitive decline and dementia in older age.
  • Executive functions are particularly vulnerable to cognitive impairment in hypertensive individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the association between hypertension and cognitive dysfunction.
  • To explore the pathophysiological mechanisms linking hypertension to cognitive decline.
  • To evaluate the potential of antihypertensive treatments in preventing dementia.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on hypertension and cognitive function.
  • Analysis of pathophysiological pathways.
  • Assessment of evidence for antihypertensive drug efficacy in cognitive health.

Main Results:

  • Hypertension is associated with vascular dementia, Alzheimer disease, and Lewy body dementia.
  • Pathophysiological mechanisms include brain atrophy, microinfarcts, white matter lesions, and blood-brain barrier damage.
  • Antihypertensive medications show potential in reducing the risk of cognitive decline.

Conclusions:

  • Hypertension is a significant risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia.
  • Understanding the pathophysiology is crucial for developing interventions.
  • Managing hypertension is a potentially effective strategy to prevent dementia and preserve cognitive function.

Keywords:
CognitionDementiaHypertensionReview

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