ORCID

Abstract

Hypertension is associated with both ageing and dementia. Despite this, optimal blood pressure targets in dementia remain unclear. Both high and low blood pressure are associated with poorer cognition. Changes in vascular physiology in dementia may increase the vulnerability of the brain to hypoperfusion associated with antihypertensives. We discuss the potential risks of antihypertensives in the context of altered cerebral haemodynamics, and evidence from antihypertensive trials in dementia. We suggest that individualised blood pressure targets should be the focus for antihypertensive therapy in dementia, rather than strict control to uniform targets extrapolated from trials in cognitively healthy individuals.

DOI

10.1177/0271678x221133473

Publication Date

2022-07-29

Publication Title

Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism

ISSN

0271-678X

Embargo Period

2023-10-17

Organisational Unit

Peninsula Medical School

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