Mind and Body
A long-term study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) suggests a possible link between high blood pressure and vascular dementia, a form of cognitive decline caused by reduced blood flow to the brain.
The study followed 4,700 Americans over a 24-year period, tracking their blood pressure at various stages of life. Researchers identified two patterns that were associated with an increased risk of dementia:
- Adults with sustained high blood pressure during midlife (ages 45–55) were more likely to develop dementia later on.
- Adults who had high blood pressure in midlife but then experienced very low blood pressure (below 90/60 mmHg) later in life also showed a higher risk.
Uncontrolled blood pressure can lead to “silent strokes”—small, symptomless strokes that damage brain tissue over time. Though they may go unnoticed, these strokes can have lasting effects on memory and cognitive function. This research highlights just how important it is to monitor and manage blood pressure before serious damage occurs.
What is High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against artery walls as it circulates through the body. It’s measured using two numbers—for example, 120/80 mmHg:
- Systolic (top number): Pressure when the heart beats.
- Diastolic (bottom number): Pressure when the heart rests between beats.
A normal reading is around 120/80 mmHg. Consistently higher readings (140/90 mmHg or above) indicate hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. Often called the “silent killer,” hypertension rarely causes symptoms but is a leading contributor to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, vision loss, and other serious conditions.
How to Control Blood Pressure
The good news? High blood pressure can often be controlled with the right combination of lifestyle changes and medical care. According to the American Heart Association, common risk factors include:
- Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
- Poor diet, obesity, and high cholesterol
- Diabetes or a family history of hypertension
- Lack of regular physical activity
What you can do:
- Get regular checkups, even in your 20s and 30s, to understand your baseline numbers.
- Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise (like brisk walking) or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise (like running) per week.
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while minimizing processed foods and excess salt.
- Work closely with your doctor to manage blood pressure with medication if needed.
Empower’s Advice to Insurance Agents
For Empower Brokerage agents, this study is a reminder that health and financial planning often go hand-in-hand. Being sick is expensive—emotionally, physically, and financially speaking. Many of your midlife clients may already be dealing with health risks like hypertension—risks that can lead to all forms of strain down the road.
Educating clients about preventive care, long-term care coverage, or final expense insurance can help them prepare for the unexpected. Encourage them to take proactive steps to protect their health while also building a financial safety net for their families. Some of them may even be eligible for a cardiac rehabilitation program–doctor-monitored courses designed to help those suffering from cardiovascular conditions. Cardiac rehabilitation programs offer educational classes, exercise regimens, psychological help, group activities, and more. You can read more about the rest of their offerings in our article, ‘What is a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program?‘ Who knows? Your client may win years of their life back using this type of intervention.
By offering your expert guidance, ample resources, and empathy, you can become an invaluable partner in helping clients lead long lives with clear heads and happy hearts.
Agents
We hope that this information on the link between dementia and blood pressure has been useful to you.
Empower Brokerage is committed to helping you make informed decisions about your health and financial well-being. Whether through webinar training, one-on-one calls, seminars, or marketing plans, we want you to succeed!
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This article was updated on July 23, 2025.