Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 18, 2026

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
Published on: April 23, 2021
The relationship between blood pressure and cognitive decline differs by race
Michael D Oliver1, Cassandra Morrison2, Sondos El-Hulu1
1Department of Psychological Science and Neuroscience, Belmont University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States.
Background And Objectives:
Cognition may be influenced by health-related factors such as blood pressure (BP). However, variations in BP may differentially affect cognition across race. This study investigates BP and cognitive decline in older Black and White adults.
Research Design And Methods:
A total of 2,284 participants (1,139 Blacks, 1,145 Whites, MAge = 73.4) from three harmonized cohorts of older adults from the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, were divided into three groups (normal, high, variable) based on systolic BP mean and standard deviation. Cognitive scores were computed from 18 neuropsychological tests and averaged to summarize five domains (episodic memory, semantic memory, working memory, processing speed, visuospatial ability) and a measure of global cognition. Linear mixed-effects models examined racial differences between BP and cognition over an average of 6.7 years.
Results:
White adults with high BP declined faster in global cognition, perceptual speed, semantic memory, and working memory compared to Black adults with high BP, whereas White adults with variable BP had faster rates of decline in global cognition, all cognitive domains, compared to Black adults with variable BP. No differences in rate of cognitive decline were observed between Black and White older adults with normal BP.
Discussion And Implications:
Variations in BP differentially relate to cognitive decline in Black and White older adults, highlighting the interplay between BP and cognitive health, and the importance of race in understanding this relationship.
Related Concept Videos
Factors affecting Blood pressure
Physiological Factors:
Language and Cognition
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
Alterations in Blood Pressure
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...
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
Cognitive Development During Adulthood

