Study: High and Low Pulse Pressure Both Linked to Alzheimer's

Both high and low pulse pressure are associated with an increased risk for Alzheimer's disease, according to a study reported in the March issue of Stroke.

Elevated blood pressure has been found to increase the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer disease.

Researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden wanted to find out whether pulse pressure predicted Alzheimer disease and dementia. Pulse pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

The researchers reached their conclusion after a six-year study of pulse pressure in 1,270 people who were at least 75 years old. A total of 256 of the participants eventually developed Alzheimer's disease.

The researchers said the increased Alzheimer's risk produced by high pulse pressure is probably due to artery stiffness and severe atherosclerosis. They added that poor cerebral perfusion related to decreased pulse pressure may explain the association between lower pulse pressure and increased risk.

Other sources: Stroke 2003; (3):594-9