Lower Systolic Blood Pressure Is Associated with Lower Risk for Mild Cognitive Impairment

Researchers now have evaluated data from the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT; NEJM JW Gen Med Dec 15 2015 and N Engl J Med 2015; 373:2174) to assess the effect of lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) on development of dementia and risk for mild cognitive impairment. More than 9000 participants (mean age, 68; baseline SBP, 130–180 mm Hg) with cardiovascular risk factors were randomized to an SBP goal of <120 mm Hg (intensive treatment) or <140 mm Hg (standard treatment). Patients with dementia and nursing homes residents were excluded. Mean achieved SPBs in SPRINT were 122 mm Hg and 135 mm Hg in the intensive and standard groups, respectively.

During a median intervention period of 3.3 years, no significant difference emerge…