Key result
Systolic blood pressure was significantly correlated with verbal interference tasks (r range 0.36 to 0.42, p<0.05), whereas diastolic blood pressure and cardiovascular endurance were not.
Cross-Sectional (n=38)
Effect estimate: r range 0.36 to 0.42
p-value: p=<0.05
Resting systolic blood pressure is significantly correlated with verbal interference in older adults, suggesting that blood pressure control may play a role in maintaining executive function.
Supports systolic BP-executive function link in older adults; leaves open causality and clinical relevance pending prospective data.
While previous research has examined the relationship between physical activity, aging and cognition, the preferred modality for enhancing executive function in older adults remains unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of the investigation was to assess the relationship between blood pressure, cardiovascular endurance and executive function in community dwelling older adults without cognitive impairment. METHODS: Twenty-five females and thirteen males (61.0 + 7.6 y) completed the investigation. A stethoscope and sphygmomanometer were used to determine resting blood pressure. The averages of two measurements were used to assess systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures using the phase 1 and phase 4 Korotkoff sounds, respectively. Cardiovascular endurance was measured using the Senior Fitness Test two minute step test. Executive function was assessed using the IntegNeuro switching of attention and verbal interference tasks. RESULTS: Pearson correlations were analyzed between SBP, DBP, cardiovascular endurance and measures of executive function. No significant relationships were found with DBP and cardiovascular endurance and measures of executive function. The analyses indicated significant relationships between SBP and verbal interference (r range .36 to .42, ps <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the investigation suggest controlling resting systolic blood pressure may be significant in maintaining executive function in older adults. Further investigation is warranted.
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Schwartz et al. (2015) conducted a cross-sectional in Community dwelling older adults without cognitive impairment (n=38). Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and cardiovascular endurance was evaluated on Executive function (switching of attention and verbal interference tasks) (r range 0.36 to 0.42, p=<0.05). Systolic blood pressure was significantly correlated with verbal interference tasks (r range 0.36 to 0.42, p<0.05), whereas diastolic blood pressure and cardiovascular endurance were not.
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