We’ve heard that high blood pressure is a culprit for dementia – but what about low blood pressure?
Researchers have known for years that high blood pressure can damage small blood vessels in the brain, affecting the parts that are responsible for thinking and memory.[1] More recently, the link between low blood pressure and dementia has come into question. Low blood pressure is associated with a reduced flow of blood to the brain, leading to damage causing dementia.[2]
According to the American Heart Association, blood pressure is recorded as two numbers: systolic (the first number) and diastolic (the second number).[3] Studies have shown that diastolic blood pressure, sometimes known as resting blood pressure, is the better predictor of your brain’s health and performance.[4] One study defines low diastolic blood pressure as anything below 80mm/Hg, with research showing that – for people with blood pressure lower than that number - brain performance is significantly reduced.[5]
Possible causes of low blood pressure include medications, alcohol use and dehydration; in some cases, it can be caused heart health issues. If you experience symptoms of low blood pressure, like dizziness, blurry vision, nausea or heart palpitations, consider visiting your doctor for a check up.[6]--
[1] Blood Pressure and Alzheimer’s Risk: What’s the Connection? Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/alzheimers-disease/blood-pressure-and-alzheimers-risk-whats-the-connection
[2] Low blood pressure could be a culprit in dementia, studies suggest. The Conversation. October 1 2019. https://theconversation.com/low-blood-pressure-could-be-a-culprit-in-dementia-studies-suggest-122032
[3] Understanding Blood Pressure Readings. American Heart Association. November 30 2017. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings
[4] Low blood pressure could be a culprit in dementia, studies suggest. The Conversation. October 1 2019. https://theconversation.com/low-blood-pressure-could-be-a-culprit-in-dementia-studies-suggest-122032
[5] Low blood pressure could be a culprit in dementia, studies suggest. The Conversation. October 1 2019. https://theconversation.com/low-blood-pressure-could-be-a-culprit-in-dementia-studies-suggest-122032
[6] Low Blood Pressure. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/low-blood-pressure