Key result
Higher pulse pressure links to marginally better global cognition but worse memory.
Why the study?
The study was conducted to systematically review and meta-analyse evidence on the association between pulse pressure and cognitive function.
Does pulse pressure associate with cognitive function in adults?
Meta-Analysis (n=73,635)
Does pulse pressure associate with cognitive function in adults?
Effect estimate: pooled standardized beta-coefficient 0.005 (95% CI 0.001-0.010)
p-value: p=0.0218
Pulse pressure has domain-specific associations with cognitive function, positively associating with global cognition but negatively with memory, processing speed, executive function, and language.
Our aim was to systematically review and meta-analyse evidence on the association between pulse pressure (PP) and cognitive function using PubMed, PsycInfo, Embase and Scopus (inception-July 2025) publication databases. Studies were included if they reported an association between PP and cognitive function and summarized narratively and by performing fixed-effects meta-analysis. The search identified 4171 publications with 43 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Domains assessed included global cognition, memory, language, attention, executive function, processing speed and visuospatial ability. Meta-analysis suggests a positive association between PP and global cognition, and a negative association with memory in both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies with inconsistent findings from narratively summarized studies. Processing speed, executive function and language negatively associated with PP in cross-sectional studies with limited evidence provided by longitudinal studies or narratively summarized studies. There was limited evidence of an association with attention and visuospatial ability.
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Gaunt et al. (2026) conducted a meta-analysis in Cognitive function (n=73,635). Pulse pressure was evaluated on Global cognition (cross-sectional) (pooled standardized beta-coefficient 0.005, 95% CI 0.001-0.010, p=0.0218). Higher pulse pressure was positively associated with global cognition (pooled standardized beta-coefficient 0.005) and negatively associated with memory.
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