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Meta-Analysis
. 2024 Feb 1;42(2):205-223.
doi: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000003614. Epub 2023 Nov 14.

Midlife hypertension is a risk factor for some, but not all, domains of cognitive decline in later life: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Oisín Cormac Joyce  1 , Clíodhna McHugh  1 , David Mockler  2 , Fiona Wilson  3 , Áine M Kelly  1
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Midlife hypertension is a risk factor for some, but not all, domains of cognitive decline in later life: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Oisín Cormac Joyce et al. J Hypertens. .

Abstract

Introduction: Management of midlife blood pressure and hypertension status may provide a window of intervention to mitigate cognitive decline with advancing age. The aim of this review was to investigate the relationship between midlife hypertension and cognition in midlife and later life.

Methods: Online electronic databases were searched from their inception to May 2022. Studies assessing midlife (40-65 years) hypertension and cognition at mid and/or later-life were included. A random effects meta-analysis was deemed appropriate.

Results: One hundred forty-nine studies across 26 countries were included. Qualitative synthesis found negative relationships between midlife hypertension and later life cognition in the domains of memory, executive function, and global cognition. Metanalytical evidence revealed midlife hypertension negatively impacts memory, executive function, and global cognition but had no observed effect on attention at midlife.

Discussion: Hypertension at midlife has a significant negative impact on cognition in mid-life and later life, namely memory, executive function, and global cognition.

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Conflict of interest statement

No potential conflict of interest is reported by the author(s).

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Flow chart of the study selection process.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Forest plot examining the overall effect of hypertension status vs. normotension status. (a) Memory function. (b) Attention. (c) Executive function. (d) Global cognition.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Funnel plots representing hypertensive vs. normotensive individuals and their effect on cognition in midlife. (a) Memory; (b) Attention; (c) Executive function; (d) Global cognition. SMD, standardized mean difference; SE, standard error.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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