SPRINT MIND study results suggest that aggressive control of blood pressure can reduce the risk of cognitive impairment

Preliminary results of an extensive clinical trial, SPRINT study (Memory of intervention of systolic hypertension) and study Cognition IN Decrease in Hypertension (SPRINT MIND) presented at the International Conference of the Alzheimer's Association in Chicago on July 25th. Blood pressure can reduce the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and the combined risk of MCI and dementia, but not dementia alone. The SPRINT MIND study was funded by the National Institutes of Health

SPRINT participants were high-risk adults with cardiovascular disease and the study previously reported that aggressive blood pressure control reduces cardiovascular events and mortality. In addition to reducing the risk of cognitive impairment, SPRINT MIND's preliminary results also suggest that intensive blood pressure control significantly reduces brain abnormalities seen in MRI in a subset of non-diabetic participants. These abnormalities have been reported to increase the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.

NIH spokespersons can provide important context regarding these preliminary findings, including: Explain the preliminary nature of these findings, their limitations and the importance of peer review; Share details about SPRINT, SPRINT MIND and SPRINT studies Alzheimer, Senior and Kidney (ASK); Examine how a growing body of research has identified a link between hypertension-related cerebrovascular disease and dementia; Describe the NIH Mind Your Risks health campaign to increase awareness of the link between vascular disease and brain health.