Hypertension linked to cognitive decline

Two new studies have delved into the connection between.

In 'Racial disparity in cognitive and functional disability in hypertension and its mortality,' researchers assessed the prevalence and racial disparity of subjective cognitive and functional limitations and their impact on mortality in the hypertensive US population.

The results show that the prevalence of cognitive and functional disability is larger in the US hypertensive population than the non-hypertensive population, and both are associated with greater mortality.

In 'Hypertensive African Americans, who bear the greatest burden of hypertension, carry a disproportionate burden of these limitations,' the authors investigated the relationships of hypertension, antihypertensive treatment, and sodium intake on cognitive decline in older women.

The findings indicate that women with antihypertensive treatment and uncontrolled blood pressure showed the highest risk for developing cognitive decline. Sodium intake did not modify the risk for cognitive decline in women with hypertension or those taking antihypertensive medication.

The studies are published in the American Journal of Hypertension.