A study published in the May issue of Archives of Neurology has found that fluctuating blood pressure increases the risk of cerebrovascular disease, such as stroke and other disorders that affect blood vessels in the brain.

Researchers from Columbia University’s Taub Institute studied 686 older adults without dementia who had blood pressure measurements taken during three study visits at 24-month intervals and underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect cerebrovascular disease.

During the course of the study, elevated blood pressure and fluctuations in blood pressure were both associated with cerebrovascular disease. In addition, researchers found that those with higher average blood pressure and more fluctuation had proportionately more cerebrovascular disease than did those with either condition alone.

Cerebrovascular disease is associated with cognitive decline and disability in older adults. Elevated blood pressure can cause cerebrovascular disease and has previously been found to be associated with poorer cognitive function and the risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

"Cerebrovascular disease is associated with a constellation of conditions that lead to disability, including cognitive impairment, mood and movement disorders," the authors conclude. "Although the control of elevated blood pressure or the treatment of hypertension is an obvious and well-replicated conclusion, these findings suggest that management of blood pressure fluctuations may be beneficial in reducing the risk of cerebrovascular disease and in maximizing healthy cognitive aging."