[The importance of antihypertensive therapy in subclinical brain damage]

Abstract

Older patients are often affected by impaired cognitive function and high blood pressure. Damage to microcirculation of the brain is closely related to changes in large vessels. High blood pressure and vascular stiffness might lead to a damage in microcirculation of the brain and, consequently, to worsening of the patient's cognitive function and dementia. We discuss early diagnosis of subclinical brain damage using magnetic resonance and its preventive management with antihypertensive therapy.