People with high blood pressure face an increased risk of cognitive impairment, including dementia. However, a recent study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine indicates that engaging in vigorous physical activity more than once a week can reduce this risk. The findings, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, highlight the role of exercise in mitigating cognitive decline.
Richard Kazibwe, M.D., assistant professor of internal medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and lead author of the study, emphasised the multifaceted benefits of physical exercise, such as lowering blood pressure, enhancing heart health, and potentially delaying cognitive decline. Despite these known benefits, the precise amount and intensity of exercise required to preserve cognition still need to be determined.
The study builds upon previous research, including the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) conducted in 2015. This landmark trial demonstrated that intensive blood pressure management reduced cardiovascular disease and mortality rates among participants aged 50 and older with hypertension. The trial’s findings prompted significant changes in blood pressure management guidelines.
Subsequently, the SPRINT MIND trial 2019, led by Wake Forest University School of Medicine, revealed that intensive blood pressure control also reduced the risk of mild cognitive impairment in older adults. Building on these insights, Kazibwe and his team conducted a secondary analysis focusing on the impact of vigorous physical activity on cognitive health.
Their findings suggest a notable benefit: individuals who engaged in vigorous physical activity at least once a week reported lower rates of mild cognitive impairment and dementia. This association was robust among participants under the age of 75. Encouragingly, nearly 60% of study participants, including older adults aged 75 and above, reported engaging in vigorous physical activity.
Dr. Kazibwe highlighted the positive trend of older adults recognising the importance of exercise and maintaining higher physical activity intensity levels. However, he also acknowledged the need for further research, including using device-based physical activity measurements and a more diverse participant pool.
While this study provides compelling evidence that regular vigorous exercise may help preserve cognitive function in individuals at high risk of hypertension-related cognitive decline, ongoing research is crucial to fully understand and optimise the role of physical activity in cognitive health maintenance.
More information: Richard Kazibwe et al, Effect of vigorous-intensity physical activity on incident cognitive impairment in high-risk hypertension, Alzheimer’s & Dementia. DOI: 10.1002/alz.13887
Journal information: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Provided by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
