Is the evidence convincing that intensive antihypertensive therapy protects brain function and helps prevent dementia? Research increasingly shows that high mid‑life blood pressure is a strong predictor of later cognitive decline. Emerging data further indicate that intensive blood‑pressure lowering can reduce the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia while remaining safe for many older adults.

In this interview, Glenn A. Hirsch MD, MHS, FACC and Paul K Whelton, MB, MD, MSc discuss “Hypertension Treatment Trials in the Elderly for Brain Health”.

Related References:

1. Jones DW, Ferdinand KC, Taler SJ, et al. 2025 AHA/ACC/AANP/AAPA/ABC/ACCP/ACPM/AGS/AMA/ASPC/NMA/PCNA/SGIM Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2025;86(18):1567-1678. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2025.05.007
2. SPRINT Research Group, Lewis CE, Fine LJ, et al. Final Report of a Trial of Intensive versus Standard Blood-Pressure Control. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(20):1921-1930. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1901281
3. Wright JT Jr, Whelton PK, Johnson KC, et al. SPRINT Revisited: Updated Results and Implications. Hypertension. 2021;78(6):1701-1710. doi:10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.121.17682