The findings of this work are published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.
During the study, it was established that frequent fluctuations in blood pressure, occurring with each heartbeat, are associated with a reduction in the volume of brain structures such as the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex—key areas responsible for memory and learning processes. Participants also exhibited elevated levels of neurofilament light chain protein (NfL), which serves as an indicator of nerve cell damage.
The study involved 105 elderly individuals without obvious neurological diseases. Using MRI scanning, the researchers were able to accurately monitor blood pressure with sensors that recorded each heartbeat. It was found that those with the greatest fluctuations in pressure and low vascular elasticity had a smaller volume of brain areas responsible for memory, and more pronounced signs of neuronal damage. These changes were independent of age and average arterial pressure levels.
The authors of the study believe that unstable blood pressure creates additional stress on the brain's blood vessels and may lead to micro-damage of tissues, similar to the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers emphasize that monitoring not only the average pressure level but also its fluctuations could be an important step in preventing cognitive impairments.
