JOURNAL OF BASIC AND CLINICAL HEALTH SCIENCES, cilt.9, sa.2, 2025 (ESCI)
Purpose: As a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, wide pulse pressure may be related to cognitive impairment across the lifespan. Methods: A total of 313 patients with dementia and 1117 cognitively healthy individuals were included in this study. Blood pressure measurements, demographic data, comorbid conditions, laboratory findings, and parameters from a comprehensive geriatric assessment were evaluated. Results: While the mean age of the patients and the number of drugs were higher; the frequency of female sex and years of education were lower in the dementia group than in the control group (p<0.001 for each). Also, the Mini Nutritional Assessment scores, estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate, folate, and 25 hydroxy vitamin D levels were lower in the dementia group than in the control group (p<0.001; p<0.001; p<0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). While the dementia group had wider pulse pressure than controls(p=0.006); there were no differences between the groups in systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure values. When confounding factors were adjusted, the pulse pressure and dementia was related(p=0.032). In addition, pulse pressure was positively correlated with dementia(p<0.01). Conclusion: This study showed that dementia seems to be related to wider pulse pressure in older adults. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the importance of pulse pressure in geriatric practice.