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Updated: Apr 3, 2026
07:30
Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
Published on: April 23, 2021
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Elevated Cumulative Blood Pressure is Associated With Cognitive Decline: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study
Jie Hua1,2, Yiling Lou3, Yan Guo3
1School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
Journal of Clinical Hypertension (Greenwich, Conn.)
|April 2, 2026
Summary
Higher cumulative systolic blood pressure (SBP) and pulse pressure (PP) are linked to faster cognitive decline in older adults. This study highlights the impact of sustained high blood pressure on brain health.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cardiovascular Health
- Gerontology
Background:
- Longitudinal evidence linking cumulative blood pressure (BP) levels to cognitive function remains insufficient.
- Understanding the association between sustained BP and cognitive decline is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the independent association between cumulative BP levels and subsequent cognitive decline.
- To examine the dose-response relationship between cumulative BP and cognitive decline.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study utilizing data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) from 2011 to 2018.
- Linear mixed models and restricted cubic splines were employed to analyze the association.
- Cognitive test scores were standardized into z-scores.
Main Results:
- Higher cumulative systolic blood pressure (SBP) and pulse pressure (PP) were independently associated with faster cognitive decline (β = -0.096 and -0.099 SD/year, respectively).
- No significant association was found between cumulative diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and cognitive decline (β = -0.023 SD/year).
- Nonlinear dose-response relationships were observed between cumulative SBP and DBP levels and the rate of cognitive decline.
Conclusions:
- Elevated cumulative SBP and PP, but not DBP, are independently associated with accelerated cognitive decline in middle-aged and older Chinese adults.
- Sustained high SBP and PP may pose a risk for cognitive impairment in aging populations.
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