![Sample our Behavioral Sciences journals, sign in here to start your access, latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/110801/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Behavioral-Sciences.jpg"})
Abstract
Objectives
The effects of chronic low and high blood pressure on memory are unclear due to divergent results, originating in part due to participant misclassifications. The aim of this study was to compare source memory and working memory performance in individuals diagnosed with hypotension or hypertension with the performance of normotensive participants. Hypertensive and hypotensive individuals were receiving medical treatment.
Method
From a sample of 1656 participants, 219 were identified as hypertensive, and 37 were identified as hypotensive. Each of these two groups was compared with normotensive individuals matched by age, education and sex. Source memory performance and working memory performance were assessed through computerized tasks.
Results
Source memory accuracy was poorer in hypotensive and hypertensive individuals than in normotensive individuals, and spatial working memory discrimination was inferior in hypertensive participants compared to normotensive individuals.
Conclusion
Blood pressure impairment should be considered a major concern because it has been linked to severe cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Furthermore, here we show that it has negative effects on the two types of memory that are most essential for preserving a self-sufficient lifestyle.
Disclosure statement
The authors report no conflict of interest.
Data availability
The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author.
Ethical approval
All participants provided informed consent and received a monetary reward for their participation. The study was approved by the Bioethics Committee of the School of Medicine at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. All experiments were performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.