January 29, 2019

Properly Managing Your Blood Pressure May Protect Your Memory

Study underscores importance of managing BP

Taking a blood pressure check with an image of a brain in the background

It’s not just your heart health you’ll improve when you manage your blood pressure. A national study found that optimizing blood pressure targets could help your memory too.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

While people’s blood pressure (BP) fluctuates all the time, the ideal BP target is 120 over 80. The first number (systolic BP) indicates the pressure against your artery walls when the heart beats. The second number (diastolic BP) indicates the pressure against your artery walls when your heart is resting between beats.

Over the years, medical guidelines have suggested managing systolic pressure to different targets, from under 140 to under 130, with recent guidelines suggesting management to under 130.

Doctors typically give more attention to the first number because it’s the major risk for cardiovascular disease — especially as we age.

What the study examined

SPRINT (the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial), a study of the heart health of more than 9,000 people ages 50+ sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, recently did a subanalysis called the SPRINT MIND trial. It looked at the brain health of a smaller group of almost 700 patients whose blood pressure was managed to 120 (or less) versus a group managed to 140.

Advertisement

These patients received brain scans at the beginning of the trial and again four years later. Researchers found that those who managed their BP to 120 lowered their chances of developing white matter in the brain by a third. (Less white matter means less chance of developing cognitive impairment.)

The SPRINT MIND trial’s take-aways: “We regularly see patients with memory problems and grapple with mysteries that continue to surround the development of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of age-related cognitive impairment,” says geriatrician Ronan Factora, MD. “So we’re naturally excited to see large, randomized trials like the SPRINT study where the findings can have a dramatic impact on patients’ health. These results give older patients who have high blood pressure, but are otherwise healthy, a strong incentive to work toward the less than 120 blood pressure target.”

But the SPRINT MIND findings are far from a one-size-fits-all prescription, Dr. Factora cautions.

There are some medications and diseases that can complicate blood pressure management.

But the study excluded patients who had diabetes, kidney disease and a number of other conditions. That means that it didn’t take into account many real-life scenarios related to managing high blood pressure.

Advertisement

He notes that there’s also the other end of the spectrum, when blood pressure is managed so closely that it becomes too low, which can lead to light-headedness or dizziness when standing up.

“Especially for older patients, we have to be careful that their blood pressure isn’t so low that it leads to a fall and a broken bone,” Dr. Factora says. We must make sure the SPRINT MIND guidelines are appropriate for each patient we see, taking into account that person’s medical conditions, medications and ultimate medical goals.

That said, if hypertension is the only significant medical problem you’re dealing with, Dr. Factora recommends working with the help of your physician toward the less than 120 blood pressure target.

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

A wooden spoonful of salt on a granite tabletop with salt scattered around
February 28, 2024
Why Too Much Salt Can Be Bad for You

Excess salt and sodium consumption is a worldwide health concern

Blood pressure cuff on arm and blood pressure-reading device
February 27, 2024
Here’s What Your Blood Pressure Numbers Mean

An ideal blood pressure is less than 120 mm Hg systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic

beet and carrot juice in a glass surrounded by beets and carrots
February 1, 2024
Can Certain Drinks Lower Your Blood Pressure?

While not magic elixirs, some drinks like beet juice and skim milk may help keep numbers down

Person using electronic blood pressure monitor at home.
November 6, 2023
Buying a Home Blood Pressure Monitor? 6 Things You Need To Know

Steer clear of bells and whistles — simple, affordable monitors are all you really need

doctor showing heart rate and blood pressure watch monitor
October 31, 2023
The Relationship Between Your Heart Rate and Blood Pressure

Both are related to your cardiovascular system, and both can impact the other

Closeup of a person pouring berberine supplements into their hand.
June 18, 2023
What To Know About Berberine: Benefits, Uses and Side Effects

The natural supplement may help with weight loss, lower blood sugar and protect your heart

chopped and whole onions on cutting board
May 29, 2023
Stop the Tears: Why Onions Are Good for You

Beyond the tell-tale aroma, onions also provide benefits like strong bones and a healthy heart

Person waking up tired.
February 12, 2023
How a Lack of Sleep Contributes to High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure naturally dips when we sleep — and that dipping is crucial for a healthy heart

Trending Topics

Person in yellow tshirt and blue jeans relaxing on green couch in living room reading texts on their phone.
Here’s How Many Calories You Naturally Burn in a Day

Your metabolism may torch 1,300 to 2,000 calories daily with no activity

person getting a sinus massage between brows
5 Sinus Massage Techniques To Relieve Pressure and Promote Drainage

A gentle touch in all the right places may help drain your sinuses

woman snacking on raisins and nuts
52 Foods High In Iron

Pump up your iron intake with foods like tuna, tofu and turkey

Ad