scholarly journals Effects of Blood Pressure on Cognitive Performance: A Systematic Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Forte ◽  
Vilfredo De Pascalis ◽  
Francesca Favieri ◽  
Maria Casagrande

Background: High blood pressure has been associated with an increased risk of developing cognitive impairment. However, this relationship is unclear. This study aims to systematically review the effects of blood pressure on executive functioning, language, memory, attention and processing speed. Methods: The review process was conducted according to the PRISMA-Statement, using the PubMed, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES and MEDLINE databases. Restrictions were made by selecting studies, which included one or more cognitive measures and reported blood pressure recordings. Studies that included participants with medical conditions or people diagnosed with dementia, psychiatric disorders, stroke and head trauma were excluded. The review allows selecting fifty studies that included 107,405 participants. The results were reported considering different cognitive domains separately: global cognitive functioning, attention, processing speed, executive functions, memory and visuospatial abilities. Results: Higher blood pressure appears to influence cognitive performance in different domains in the absence of dementia and severe cardiovascular diseases, such as strokes. This relationship seems to be independent of demographic factors (gender and education), medical co-morbidity (diabetes), and psychiatric disorders (depression). Furthermore, it presents different patterns considering ageing. In the elderly, a sort of “cardiovascular paradox” is highlighted, which allows considering higher blood pressure as a protective factor for cognitive functioning. Conclusions: The results underline that higher blood pressure is associated with a higher risk of cognitive decline in people without dementia or stroke. These findings highlight the need to introduce early management of blood pressure, even in the absence of clinical hypertension, to prevent the risk of a decline of cognitive functioning typically associated with ageing.

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 998-998
Author(s):  
L Bennett ◽  
C Bernick ◽  
W Ng

Abstract Objective Repetitive head injuries common in combat sports have been associated with increased risk for cognitive dysfunction. Interestingly, the Professional Fighter’s Brain Health Study (PFBHS) team has observed improvements in fighters’ cognitive performance following their transition to inactive fighting status. As this phenomenon was explored, it was hypothesized that fighters’ cognitive performance will initially improve following their discontinuation of fighting. Methods Longitudinal demographic, fighting history, and cognitive functioning data from 31 fighters who discontinued fighting during their participation in the PFBHS. Cognitive functioning was assessed via CNS Vital Signs and C3/iComet computerized batteries. Number of professional fights, as well as inactive fighting status, was determined using published professional online records. Fighters were considered inactive if they had gone two or more years without a professional match. Results Paired-samples t test was conducted to evaluate cognitive functioning in fighters at time 1 (actively fighting) and time 2 (inactive fighting status). When comparing cognitive function at across time points, performance on CNS Vital Signs measures of verbal memory, processing speed, psychomotor speed, and reaction time, as well as C3/iComet measures of set-shifting and complex reaction time, significantly improved at time 2 (all p’s < 0.05). Interestingly, performance did not improve across time points on a C3/iComet measure of processing speed (Trailmaking Test Part A). Conclusions Cognitive performance improved on most measures when fighters transitioned to inactive fighting status. Given the limited sample size, future analysis is necessary to evaluate the relationship between fighting status and cognitive performance in a larger sample size.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1445
Author(s):  
José Miguel Sánchez-Nieto ◽  
Uriel Dagoberto Rivera-Sánchez ◽  
Víctor Manuel Mendoza-Núñez

Background: Previous systematic reviews report that arterial hypertension (AHT) is associated with lower performance in cognition in the elderly. However, some studies show that with higher blood pressure, a better cognitive performance is obtained. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between AHT with cognitive performance in the elderly. Methods: the review involved a search on PubMed, Scopus and PsycINFO databases from January 1990 to March, 2020 to identify the relationship among AHT and cognitive performance in older people. Results: 1170 articles were identified, 136 complete papers were reviewed, a qualitative analysis of 26 studies and a quantitative analysis of eight studies were carried out. It was found that people with AHT have a lower performance in processing speed SMD = 0.40 (95% CI: 0.25, 0.54), working memory SMD = 0.28 (95% CI: 0.15, 0.41) in short-term memory and learning SMD = −0.27 (95% CI: −0.37, −0.17) and delayed recall SMD = −0.20 (95% CI: −0.35, −0.05). Only one study found that higher blood pressure was associated with better memory performance. Conclusion: Our results suggest that high blood pressure primarily affects processing speed, working memory, short-term memory and learning and delayed recall.


2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 803-803
Author(s):  
Delgadillo M ◽  
Boese A ◽  
Frank M ◽  
Schulte T ◽  
Fairchild J

Abstract Objective Research indicates that the presence of psychiatric disorders is predictive of cognitive performance and increases the risk of developing dementia. Some have found that psychiatric disorders decrease cognitive performance while others have found that they increase cognitive performance. The purpose of the present study is to further investigate the relationship between psychiatric disorders and cognitive performance in older Veterans. Method The convenience sample included 216 older Veterans who were screened at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System (94% male, age = 71.8 ± 8.3). Psychiatric disorders (e.g., mood and anxiety disorders) were assessed using the Mini Neuropsychiatric Interview for DSM-IV. Domains of cognitive performance (e.g., Learning and Memory, Executive Function, Processing Speed, Attention, Visuospatial Ability, and Language) were measured using a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment battery. Results Results indicated that 25% of the sample had depression (n = 56) and 16% had anxiety (n = 34). Psychiatric diagnoses largely had no effect on executive function, processing speed, or language. Age was found to moderate the association between depression and learning and memory, though there were no main effects for depression on learning and memory. Anxiety was significantly associated with learning and memory performance, and age was found to further moderate that relationship. Age also moderated the association between depression and attention, though no main effects for depression were seen in the model. Anxiety had no effect on attention. Conclusions Age and psychiatric diagnoses interact to differentially impact cognitive functioning in late life. These findings support prior research on the complex relationship between psychiatric disorders and late-life cognitive impairment.


Author(s):  
Angelika Cisek-Woźniak ◽  
Kinga Mruczyk ◽  
Rafał W. Wójciak

Physical activity has an unquestionable impact on broadly understood human health. One interesting issue related to this is the importance of movement on mental health and cognitive functioning. Research shows that regular physical activity improves the cognitive functioning of adults and people with mental disorders. Regular physical activity can be an important and powerful protective factor in cognitive impairment and dementia in the elderly, and exercise is an important non-pharmacological treatment for mild cognitive impairment or neurodegenerative diseases. This study aims to present the impact of physical activity on selected cognitive functions in physically active women over 60 years of age. The research was carried out in a group of 110 generally healthy women from the area of western Poland over 60 years of age, who were divided into four groups based on the intensity of their physical activity. A pedometer (sport watch) and a physical activity diary were used to measure physical activity. Body Mass Index was assessed. Selected cognitive functions were assessed using the MMSE test, motor and psychomotor skills were measured, and Luria’s auditory memory test and recall test, a clock drawing test, and a GDS test were performed. There were statistically significant relationships between the level of physical activity and the effectiveness of cognitive processes. These results show that about 5000 steps a day is enough to see a positive effect on the mental health and cognitive functioning of this group of the elderly population. The women had an average BMI of 28.1 ± 4.7. BMI, indicating an overweight condition (over 30 kg/m2), was observed in 31% of women. The results of this study lead the authors to conclude that physical activity positively influences cognitive function and can be recommended for all seniors who do not have other serious comorbidities that would prevent them from playing sports.


2021 ◽  
pp. 56-57
Author(s):  
Rohit Arora ◽  
D.K Sharma

Hypertension is a common disease in the elderly associated with signicant morbidity and mortality. Due to the complexity of this population, the optimal target of blood pressure (BP) control is still controversial. In this article, we conduct a literature review of trials published in English in the last 10 years which were specically designed to study the efcacy and safety of various BP targets in patients who are 70 years or older. Using these criteria, we found that the benets in the positive studies were demonstrated even with a minimal BPcontrol (systolic BP[SBP] <150 mmHg) and continued to be reported for a SBP<120 mmHg. On the other hand, keeping SBP<140 mmHg seemed to be safely achieved in elderly patients. Although the safety of lowering SBP to <120 mmHg is debated, Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial study has shown no increased risk of falls, fractures, or kidney failure in elderly patients with SBP lower than this threshold. While the recent guidelines recommended to keep BP <130/80 mmHg in the elderly, more individualized approach should be considered to achieve this goal in order to avoid undesirable complications. Furthermore, further studies are required to evaluate BPtarget in very old patients or those with multiple comorbidities.


2019 ◽  
pp. 8-16
Author(s):  
M.S. CHERNIAEVA ◽  
O.D. OSTROUMOVA

Высокая распространенность хронической сердечной недостаточности (ХСН) в популяции пожилых пациентов наряду с устойчивым ро- стом численности пожилого населения как в России, так и в западных странах все больше привлекает внимание врачей к проблеме, связан- ной с ведением данного заболевания. Известно, что ведущим фактором риска развития ХСН является повышенное артериальное давление (АД) и большинство пациентов с ХСН имеют в анамнезе артериальную гипертонию (АГ), поэтому лечение пациентов пожилого возраста c АГ и ХСН является одним из важных направлений в профилактике прогрессирования ХСН, снижения количества госпитализаций и смерт- ности. Лечение АГ у пожилых имеет свои особенности, связанные с функциональным статусом пациентов и их способностью переносить лечение. В европейских рекомендациях (2018) пересмотрены целевые цифры АД при лечении АГ у пожилых, однако данные по целевым цифрам АД для лечения АГ у пациентов с ХСН опираются лишь на исследования, проводившиеся у больных без ХСН. Данные об оптималь- ном целевом уровне у пациентов с АГ и ХСН представлены в единичных исследованиях. В настоящей статье проанализирована взаимосвязь уровня АД и сердечно-сосудистых событий и смертности отдельно для пациентов с АГ и сердечной недостаточностью с низкой фракцией выброса левого желудочка и с сохраненной фракцией выброса левого желудочка. Результаты многих исследований показывают, что более низкий уровень систолического АД (120 мм рт. ст.) и диастолического АД (80 мм рт. ст.) ассоциирован с развитием неблагоприятных сердечно-сосудистых событий, особенно у пациентов с сердечной недостаточностью с низкой фракцией выброса левого желудочка.The high prevalence of chronic heart failure (CHF) in the elderly patients, along with the steady growth of the elderly population, both in Russia and in Western countries, is increasingly attracting the attention of doctors to the problem associated with the management of this disease. It is known that the leading risk factor for CHF is high blood pressure (BP) and most patients with CHF have a history of hypertension (H), so the treatment of elderly patients with H and CHF is the major focus in the slowing CHF progression, reducing the heart failure hospitalisation and mortality. Treatment of hypertension in the elderly has some specific features associated with the functional status of patients and their ability to tolerate treatment. The European recommendations (2018) revised target blood pressure levels in the elderly patients, however, data on target blood pressure levels in patients with CHF are based only on studies conducted in patients without CHF, data on the optimal target blood pressure levels in patients with hypertension and CHF are presented in single studies. In this article we analyze the relationship between blood pressure levels and cardiovascular events and mortality separately for patients with hypertension and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and with preserved ejection fraction. Several studies show that lower systolic blood pressure (120 mm Hg) and diastolic blood pressure (80 mm Hg) is associated with the increased risk of cardiovascular events, especially in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 234
Author(s):  
Fithriyani Fithriyani ◽  
Miko Eka Putri

Aging is a natural process that can not be avoided, running continuously, and continuously. Based on population projection data the number of elderly people will increase where the most number is found at the age of 60-64 years 94,012 people. Increasing age decreases bodily functions, decreased organ function and changes in blood pressure, therefore the elderly are advised to check their blood pressure regularly. As they age, blood pressure in the elderly will increase so that there is a higher risk of developing hypertension. Hypertension is a major health problem throughout the world, causing a high prevalence and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Some things that need to be considered in an effort to control hypertension include regular exercise, adequate rest, medical, traditional, regulate diet and reduce salt consumption one teaspoon per day. The purpose of this study was to determine the determinants and factors associated with efforts to control hypertension in the elderly at PSTW Budi Luhur, Jambi City. The research method uses descriptive analysis design with cross sectional approach. Samples were conducted for the elderly with hypertension. The research instrument was in the form of questionnaire sheets by interview. The results obtained 40% of elderly people have a history of smoking, 45% are quite good in consuming food, 60% elderly with moderate activity and 60% elderly are good in controlling hypertension. The results of bivariate analysis showed that there was no correlation between determinant factors (smoking history, food consumption, physical activity) and hypertension control efforts in the elderly in PSTW Budi Luhur, Jambi City


2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S256-S257
Author(s):  
Josephine Mollon ◽  
Emma Knowles ◽  
Samuel Mathias ◽  
Amanda Rodrigue ◽  
Marinka Koenis ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Childhood trauma and cognitive impairment are important risk factors for psychotic disorders. However, the relationship between trauma and psychosis throughout the lifespan, as well as between lifetime trauma and cognitive functioning, remain unclear. Methods Using data from a case-control study of African-American adults with psychotic disorders, we examined childhood and adult trauma, as well as their interaction with cognitive functioning, in adults with affective psychotic disorders (n=101), nonaffective psychotic disorders (n=109), non-psychotic psychiatric disorders (n=105), compared to controls (n=211). Childhood trauma was measured using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), which produces dimensional measures of physical neglect, emotional neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse. Adult trauma was measured using the Trauma History Questionnaire (THQ), which ascertains the presence of death-, and personal-related traumas throughout adulthood. Cognitive functioning was measured using a comprehensive computerized battery (‘Charlie’, https://github.com/sammosummo/Charlie). Results All three psychiatric groups showed greater childhood trauma compared to controls, but the affective psychosis group showed the most trauma (Cohen d=0.97–1.29, p&lt;0.001), followed by the nonaffective psychosis group (d=0.54–0.72, p&lt;0.001), and then the non-psychotic group (d=0.05–0.16, p&lt;0.04). Despite the fact that childhood trauma was significantly associated with adult trauma (OR=0.67–2.08,p&lt;0.002), only the affective psychosis group showed a significantly increased likelihood of experiencing both death- and personal-related traumas in adulthood (OR=0.86–2.14, p&lt;0.01), while the nonaffective psychosis group showed an increased likelihood of experiencing personal-related traumas (OR=1.00, p=0.003). Significant childhood-trauma-by-group interactions on cognitive functioning showed that greater childhood neglect was associated with better performance in the affective psychosis group on measures of processing speed (d=0.52, p=0.011), social processing (d=0.57, p=0.020), and executive functioning (d=0.50–0.71,p&lt;0.020). A similar pattern emerged in the affective psychosis group with both death- and personal-related adult traumas on measures of processing speed (d=0.67–0.74, p&lt;0.010), memory (d=0.67–0.68, p&lt;0.014), and emotional processing (d=0.79, p=0.008). In the domain of complex reasoning, on the other hand, increased childhood sexual abuse in the affective psychosis group, and personal-related adult traumas in the psychosis group, showed a deleterious effect (d=–0.44, p=0.025; d=–0.65, p=0.010). Discussion Individuals with psychotic disorders, especially affective psychoses, experienced more childhood and adult trauma than controls, and also individuals with non-psychotic psychiatric disorders. However, both childhood neglect and adult trauma were associated with better cognitive functioning in the affective psychosis group. One explanation for this seemingly paradoxical finding may be that traumatic experiences in childhood and adulthood lead to increased cognitive vulnerability, as typically seen in psychotic disorders. Thus, individuals who experience more lifetime trauma may follow a different pathway to psychosis, involving less neurodevelopmental impairment, but greater environmental stress, leading to more affective, rather than nonaffective, manifestations of psychosis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (22) ◽  
pp. 5405
Author(s):  
Jaeho Lee ◽  
Sohyae Lee ◽  
Jin-young Min ◽  
Kyoung-bok Min

(1) Background: Previous studies have suggested the association between lipid profiles and cognitive function in older adults. However, they generated inconsistent results. We aim to determine the relationship between lipid profiles and cognitive performance in older adults. (2) Methods: We used the 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. This study included 2215 participants who were aged more than 60 years old and free of coronary heart disease or stroke. Lipid profiles included total cholesterol (TC), low density lipid cholesterol (LDL), high density lipid cholesterol (HDL), and triglyceride (TG). Cognitive function was assessed using the digit symbol substitution test (DSST). (3) Results: Positive correlations of DSST were observed with TC (r = 0.111; p < 0.0001), HDL (r = 0.127; p < 0.0001), and LDL (r = 0.107; p = 0.0005). However, there was no significant relationship between TG and DSST. A one-unit increase in HDL was associated with an increase in DSST score (beta coefficient: 0.036; p = 0.018); but the association was not significant for LDL, TG, and TC. In the categorical analysis, the high HDL group had a higher DSST score than the low HDL group (beta = 3.113; p < 0.0001) and the low TG group was more likely to show a lower DSST score than the high TC group (beta = −1.837; p = 0.0461). However, LDL and TC showed no statistically significant associations. Moreover, HDL was only associated with a 0.701 times increased risk of cognitive impairment (95% CI = 0.523–0.938) in the logistic regression analysis. (4) Conclusions: Higher blood concentrations of HDL levels were positively associated with DSST scores in older adults. We suggest that the high levels of HDL may be a protective factor against cognitive impairment.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. 703-703
Author(s):  
A Noriega de la Colina ◽  
A Badji ◽  
L Desjardins-Crépeau ◽  
R Wu ◽  
M Lamarre-Cliche ◽  
...  

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document