High systolic and pulse pressure levels are associated with better cognitive performance in patients with probable Alzheimer's disease: a cross-sectional observational study in a geriatric outpatient population.

Background: The prevalence of cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease (AD) increases with age. A number of studies have demonstrated an association between AD and cardiovascular risk factors and disease. However, data are inconsistent.

Methods: Cross-sectional observational study in a geriatric outpatient population. Analysis of data from 327 patients diagnosed with probable AD in a geriatric outpatient clinic. Comparison of blood pressure levels, cardiovascular diagnoses, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score between the patients.

Results: MMSE score decreased with age (beta = -0.25; 95% CI: -0.35 to 0.15), and a positive correlation was found with systolic blood pressure (beta = 0.03; 95% CI: 0.003-0.06), pulse pressure (beta = 0.05; 95% CI: 0.01-0.08) and hypertension (beta = 1.56; 95% CI: 0.05-3.07). An increase in cardiovascular disease load had a negative effect on cognitive performance. After adjustment for duration of dementia (data present for 216 patients), results were slightly changed.

Conclusions: Higher systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure were associated with a better cognitive test performance. Patients with probable AD and 2 or more cardiovascular diagnoses had lower MMSE scores.