Hitting targets for low BP in the elderly linked to cognitive decline

Current hypertension management guidelines are failing to take account of the effects on brain health in the elderly, says Professor Perminder Sachdev

Antihypertensive treatment to achieve guideline-recommended targets in the elderly might hasten the rate of cognitive decline, Australian researchers warn.

Their concern follows new study findings showing that achieving systolic blood pressure (SBP) at or below 120mmHg with medication was associated with global cognitive decline.