Research brief
A study from the journal Neurology investigates how 24-hour blood pressure variability (BPV) impacts brain health in adults aged 55 to 80. Part of the Brain and Cognitive Health (BACH) study in Melbourne, Australia, the research involved dementia-free participants. It found that greater BPV was linked to poorer global cognition and executive function. The study also indicated a potential risk of increased BPV for faster brain aging, particularly in those with the APOE ε4 gene variant.
Key points
- Higher BPV is linked to poorer cognition.
- APOE ε4 carriers are more affected by BPV.
- BPV may speed up brain aging.
Blood Pressure Variability
Blood pressure changes throughout the day and night. This study examined how these fluctuations, known as blood pressure variability (BPV), affect brain health. Participants had their blood pressure monitored over 24 hours and underwent cognitive tests and brain MRI scans. The goal was to assess the relationship between BPV, cognitive performance, and changes in brain structure.
The study focused on global cognition and white matter hyperintensities (WMH), which indicate structural changes in the brain. Researchers adjusted for demographic and vascular risk factors to ensure the findings were reliable.
Findings
The study found that higher 24-hour and daytime BPV were linked to poorer global cognition and executive function. It also showed that increased BPV was associated with a compromised blood-brain barrier, which is crucial for brain health.
Participants with the APOE ε4 gene variant exhibited a stronger link between BPV and increased WMH volume, suggesting they might be more vulnerable to structural changes in the brain.
Implications for Brain Aging
The study suggests that higher BPV could be a risk factor for faster brain aging, especially in those with the APOE ε4 gene variant. Monitoring blood pressure fluctuations may be important for maintaining cognitive health in older adults.
Future research could explore the connection between BPV and cognitive decline and develop strategies to mitigate these effects. The study identifies BPV as a potentially modifiable risk factor for brain health and aging.
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