Blood Pressure Regulation, Cognition, and Depression in Response to Orthostatic Challenge in African American Children: An Initial Investigation

Abstract

Poor blood pressure regulation (BPR) in response to orthostasis could contribute to cerebral hypoperfusion and cell damage. The authors of this study examined neuropsychological function and mood in relation to BPR following orthostatic challenge in African American children, aged 6 to 9 years. Participants (N = 33) laid supine for 5 minutes, before having their BP taken. Participants then stood and had BP measured again at 1, 3, and 5 minutes. After a rest, the authors administrated neuropsychological and depression tests while the participants were seated. The authors calculated the difference between supine and 1-minute standing systolic blood pressure (SBP) and pulse pressure (PP) scores. In response to orthostatic challenge, smaller increases in SBP were predictive of decreased verbal memory whereas smaller increases in PP were associated with increased depressive symptomatology and poor prospective memory. In conclusion, less effective BPR was associated with increased depression and poor performance on some neuropsychological tests.

Key Words:

• children
• cognition
• depressive symptomatology
• orthostatic blood pressure

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Maureen Stress

Ms Stress is a PhD candidate at Finch University of Health Sciences, Chicago Medical School, Department of Clinical Psychology.