Blood Pressure Swings Can Harm Your Brain Health, Study Reveals

By Adebowale Bello. B.Tech Microbiology. Freelance Health Writer. Medically reviewed by: A. Odutola, B.Med.Sci, MBBS, PhD, FRCSEd.

An elderly African woman. Image credit: Freepik.

As we grow older, we are more concerned about staying healthy, especially with protecting our hearts. One major factor we look at is our blood pressure. Blood pressure doesn’t stay constant, rather it rises and falls throughout the day due to factors like stress, physical activity or even changes in weather. While some variability is normal, frequent and large fluctuations in blood pressure over time could be disastrous.

Although high blood pressure has been known to be harmful to the heart, kidneys and brain, a recent study has shed more light on its harm to the brain. When blood pressure fluctuates too much over time, it causes a condition called blood pressure variability (BPV), which may increase the risk of memory loss and other thinking problems, especially in older people including Africans.

About The Study

This study followed 4,770 residents in the city of Chicago, who were aged 65 and above for over 18 years. 2,998 (62.9%) were women, and 3,146 (66.0%) were Black. The mean (SD) age at the start of the study was 71.3 years. The blood pressure of the study participants was measured regularly every 3 years and analyzed to observe the impact of BPV on brain performance. Brain performance was evaluated with the usual and standard cognitive tests.

What the Study Found

The study found that individuals with greater BPV were more likely to experience a decline in cognitive function. Cognitive decline refers to a reduction in thinking, memory and problem-solving skills—issues often linked to conditions like dementia and more so, Alzheimer’s disease.

The effect was particularly noticeable in adult black African Americans, who experienced more significant blood pressure fluctuations and, in turn, greater cognitive decline. But why?

Here are some possible reasons:

• Higher Prevalence of Hypertension: High blood pressure is more common in black African Americans due to factors such as genetics, diet and stress.

• Healthcare Access: Many African Americans face barriers to regular blood pressure monitoring and treatment.

• Social Determinants of Health: Low socio-economic status, low health education and unequal access to quality healthcare disproportionately affects many in African American communities.

These combination of factors can lead to unmanaged BPV, increasing the risk of long-term brain health problems.

What Does This Mean for Africans?

For Africans, particularly those in rural areas, the findings underline the importance of managing blood pressure not just for heart health but also for brain health.

Here are some steps you can take:

• Monitor Your Blood Pressure Regularly

Consistent blood pressure checks are essential to identify fluctuations. A visit to your local clinic or pharmacy can suffice if you don't have the equipment. However, if you do, here's a step-by-step guide on how to measure your blood pressure at home.

• Control Your High Blood Pressure

If you’ve been diagnosed with hypertension, take your medications as prescribed. Studies show that people taking blood pressure medications were less likely to experience cognitive decline, even if their BPV remained high.

• Adopt a Healthy Diet

Reduce salt and saturated fat intake while increasing fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

• Exercise

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.

• Stress Management

Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation or prayer.

Wrap Up

Blood pressure fluctuations might not be something we think about often but its impact on brain health is profound. Older adults with frequent blood pressure fluctuations are at a higher risk of cognitive decline, with Black populations disproportionately affected.

Managing blood pressure isn’t just about avoiding heart attacks and strokes—it’s also about preserving memory, thinking and overall quality of life. For Africans, this means prioritizing regular monitoring, healthy lifestyle choices and advocating for better access to healthcare resources.  

Source: Dhana, A, DeCarli, C.S, Dhana, K, Desai, P, Evans, D.A, & Rajan, K. B. (2025). Blood Pressure Variability and Cognition in Black and White Older Adults Over 18 Years of Follow-up: A Population-Based Cohort Study. Neurology, 104(1). Available from here

Related:

• Hypertension in Nigerian Adults: Essential things to know
• Best African Foods to Lower Your Blood Pressure
• Best Exercise for Blood Pressure Control

Published: December 28, 2024

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