Preservation of Cognitive Function With Antihypertensive Medications

Abstract
CHRONIC VASCULAR diseases such as hypertension that are prevalent with aging adversely affect cognitive function.1-3 Although these chronic vascular disorders are risk factors for cerebrovascular insults such as strokes, which are known to cause cognitive impairment and dementia,4 they appear to contribute to cognitive decline even in stroke-free older adults.5 The relationship between blood pressure and cognitive decline is particularly complex, and it appears that cognitive impairment can occur with hypotension or hypertension.6,7