A new study has found that managing blood pressure aggressively for over three years can provide lasting benefits in reducing the risk of cognitive decline, including conditions like mild cognitive impairment and dementia. The research, published in Neurology, suggests that intensive blood pressure control can have significant long-term effects, even after treatment has stopped.

The study, conducted by researchers at Wake Forest University in the US, involved 9,361 participants aged 50 and older from the US and Puerto Rico. These adults were at high risk for cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Over a follow-up period of seven years, participants underwent regular cognitive testing, both in-person and by phone.

The findings revealed that those who had intensive blood pressure management for an average of three and a half years experienced a continued reduction in the risk of cognitive impairment, even after the blood pressure treatment was discontinued.

This study underscores the importance of blood pressure control, especially in older adults, as a potential strategy to prevent or delay cognitive decline and improve overall brain health. The researchers advocate for sustained efforts to monitor and manage blood pressure to mitigate the risk of dementia and other cognitive disorders in aging populations.