A study from researchers at the University of California, Davis reveals a striking link between elevated blood pressure earlier in life and brain health decades later. In men, in particular, higher blood pressure during the 30s is associated with measurable changes in brain structure and function that show up in later years. The findings, which offer new insight into long-term brain aging, were published in JAMA Network Open and add to a growing body of evidence connecting cardiovascular health with cognitive outcomes across the lifespan.
In a separate analysis, the team examined MRI data from 427 older adults whose blood pressure had been recorded when they were between 30 and 40 years old, during the period from 1964 to 1985. This long-term approach allowed the researchers to map how early blood pressure levels relate to brain anatomy many decades later. The study participants represented a broad spectrum of blood pressure readings from youthful years, enabling a nuanced look at how sustained or fluctuating pressures might influence brain tissue over time.
The results showed that those who had higher blood pressure in their youth tended to have smaller total brain volumes and less integrity in white matter tracts. Both reduced brain volume and degraded white matter are features previously linked with cognitive decline and higher dementia risk. These associations help explain how early cardiovascular risk factors can echo into late life, potentially affecting memory, processing speed, and other cognitive functions that matter for daily living.
Importantly, the study found that certain brain changes were more pronounced in men. Reductions in gray matter and frontal cortex volume were among the findings, with researchers noting that biological differences, including hormone profiles prior to menopause, might contribute to the observed sex disparities. While more work is needed to understand these mechanisms, the results highlight the need for early interventions that support cardiovascular and brain health across genders.
Current guidelines generally consider normal blood pressure to be below 120/80 mmHg, with readings up to 129/80 mmHg often categorized as elevated rather than hypertensive. Some guidelines set different thresholds, but a common understanding is that lower blood pressure in adulthood correlates with lower risk of cardiovascular and cognitive problems as people age. For individuals in Canada and the United States, regular blood pressure monitoring, healthy lifestyle choices, and discussing personalized targets with a healthcare provider remain important steps for preserving long-term brain health while managing heart health.