Cardiovascular Alterations in Patients with Dementia

Hypertension is a major risk factor for vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) and for Alzheimer disease (AD). In this mini review we discuss about the impact of hypertension on the brain. Alzheimer disease and vascular cognitive impairment are the first and second most frequent causes of dementia in the elderly people. Evidence shows that these conditions share common pathogenetic mechanisms. Vascular changes induced by hypertension increase the susceptibility of the brain to ischemic-hipoxic damage and promote the expression of Alzheimer disease neuropathology. The possible benefits of pharmacological blood pressure control on cognition justify prompt intervention, together with diet and exercise, especially in younger patients.