High Blood Pressure and Dementia: New Data

In a large observational study, increased DBP correlated with increased odds of dementia.

Findings from previous studies of the association between hypertension and dementia have conflicted. To provide more-robust data, researchers are conducting the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study, which involves a geographic and racially diverse U.S. cohort of >30,000 men and women aged ≥45. In the present report, the REGARDS investigators assess the baseline associations of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and pulse pressure (PP) with cognitive impairment.

Overall, 1505 (7.6%) of 19,836 participants without a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack had cognitive impairment, and 9844 (49.6%) were using antihypertensive drugs. After adjustment for risk factors, demographics, depres…

Reviewing Author

JoAnne M. Foody, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardAegerion; Amarin; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Janssen; Merck; Pfizer; Sanofi-Aventis; Boehringer Ingelheim

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Cardiology, Cardiosmart (Co-chair)

JoAnne M. Foody, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardAegerion; Amarin; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Janssen; Merck; Pfizer; Sanofi-Aventis; Boehringer Ingelheim

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Cardiology, Cardiosmart (Co-chair)

High Blood Pressure and Dementia: New Data

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Reviewing Author