Cognitive impairment in hypertension

Abstract

As the life expectancy of the population increases, cognitive impairment (CI) caused by cerebrovascular diseases is becoming an increasingly urgent problem. The leading role of hypertension in the development of CI of various origins has led to intense discussions about blood pressure control as a potential therapeutic strategy for achieving optimal brain perfusion and about the prevention of mild and moderate CI. Hypertension is the main modifiable risk factor for stroke and cerebral small vessel damage that results in nonstroke-related CI. Antihypertensive therapy plays an essential role in preventing the development and slowing down the progression of CI through blood pressure control. Neurometabolic and neuroprotective drugs (Vinpotropil®, Cholitilin®) are actively used to treat CI that does not reach the degree of dementia. When dementia develops, reversible NMDA receptor inhibitors (memantine) and central acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are used to correct CI.

Keywords

• hypertension
• cerebral microangiopathy
• cognitive impairment
• dementia
• antihypertensive therapy