Incident Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Are Less Likely When Blood Pressure Is Controlled

Some studies show a modest reduction in risk for dementia or cognitive impairment with hypertension management, but others do not. This meta-analysis of 12 randomized trials (almost 10,000 participants) of active hypertension treatment compared with placebo or active comparators was conducted to explore that association. Mean baseline blood pressure was 154/83 mm Hg, and mean follow-up was 4.1 years.

Incidence of dementia or cognitive impairment was 7.0% in patients who received active hypertensive treatment compared with 7.5% in control groups. In studies that reported milder forms of cognitive decline separately, incidence in actively treated patients was 20.2% and 21.1% in control patients.