Associations of Nocturnal Blood Pressure With Cognition by Self‐Identified Race in Middle‐Aged and Older Adults: The GENOA (Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy) Study

Abstract

Background

Whether the association of blood pressure (BP) during sleep (nocturnal BP) with cognition differs by race is unknown.

Methods and Results

Participants in the GENOA (Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy) Study underwent ambulatory BP measurements, brain magnetic resonance imaging, and cognitive function testing (the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, the Digit Symbol Substitution Task, and the Trail Making Test Part B) between 2000 and 2007. We examined multivariable linear regression models of the nocturnal BP‐cognition association. Among 755 participants (mean age, 63 years; 64% women; 42% self‐identified black race; 76% taking antihypertensive medication), mean nocturnal systolic BP (SBP)/diastolic BP was 126/69 mm Hg, daytime SBP/diastolic BP level was 139/82 mm Hg, and mean reduction in SBP from day to night (dipping) was 9%. Among the entire sample, a race interaction was observed in Digit Symbol Substitution Task and Trail Making Test Part B (both P<0.15). Race‐stratified analyses showed that a 1‐SD increase in nocturnal SBP levels was associated with poorer Digit Symbol Substitution Task and log‐transformed Trail Making Test Part B scores (unstandardized regression coefficient [95% confidence interval]: −1.98 [−3.28 to −0.69] and 0.06 [0.004–0.12]; both P<0.05) in black but not white individuals. Additional adjustments for white matter hyperintensity volumes or brain atrophy, measured via brain magnetic resonance imaging, did not change the results. Results were similar when nocturnal SBP dipping was assessed as the exposure, yet daytime SBP levels yielded no association with cognition.

Conclusions

Nocturnal SBP measurements may be useful in assessing the potential risk for lower cognitive function in middle‐aged and older adults, particularly in black individuals.

Clinical Perspective

What Is New?

• The association between higher nocturnal blood pressure and lower cognitive function may be stronger in blacks than in whites.

What Are the Clinical Implications?

• Nocturnal systolic blood pressure measurements may be useful in assessing the potential risk for lower cognitive function in middle‐aged and older adults, particularly in black individuals.

During sleep, blood pressure (BP) decreases from wakeful levels. Higher nocturnal BP has been associated with lower cognitive function in middle‐aged and older adults, independently of clinic BP or 24‐hour BP levels.1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Although the underlying mechanisms remain unknown, higher nocturnal BP has correlated with brain structural alterations (eg, white matter hyperintensities [WMHs] and brain atrophy).5, 6, 7, 8 Therefore, we hypothesized that the nocturnal BP‐cognition association may be partly attributable to brain structural alterations.

Black individuals have higher nocturnal BP levels and less nocturnal BP dipping than white individuals,9, 10 potentially because of differences in socioeconomic status, psychological conditions, salt sensitivity, and autonomic function between these race groups.11, 12, 13, 14, 15 The racial difference in nocturnal BP phenotypes has been proposed as a potential contributor to racial disparities in cardiovascular outcomes.10 However, whether higher nocturnal BP in black individuals (versus white individuals) has a stronger association with lower cognition is unknown. We hypothesized that the association of higher nocturnal BP with lower cognition is stronger in black versus white individuals.

Using data from the GENOA (Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy) Study, which recruited self‐identified black and white middle‐aged and older adults, we assessed whether nocturnal BP‐cognition association was independent of WMHs or brain atrophy and whether the association varied between black and white individuals.

Methods

GENOA is a multicenter study that started in 1995 and followed up a well‐characterized cohort of sibships from families with histories of hypertension.16 Participants were recruited from families in which at least 2 siblings developed hypertension before the age of 60 years. Self‐identified black and white individuals were recruited; no ancestry or genetic determinations of race were made. Details about the GENOA cohort are provided in Data S1. An ancillary study to GENOA, the GMBI (Genetics of Microangiopathic Brain Injury) Study, included brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between August 2001 and February 2006 and cognitive function testing between December 2000 and May 2004. Among GMBI study participants, 755 underwent noninvasive 24‐hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) between October 2003 and September 2007. ABPM was conducted within a median of 12 months after brain MRI. This study was approved by the institutional review boards at the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) and University of Mississippi Medical Center (Jackson, MS). All subjects provided written informed consent before participating.

BP and Other Measurements

Participants underwent 24‐hour ABPM using the SpaceLabs model 90202 device.6 The device was attached between 8:00 and 9:00 am, and BP readings were obtained over a 24‐hour period every 15 minutes between 6:00 am and 10:00 pm and every 30 minutes between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am. Participants recorded when they got into bed at night and when they got out of bed the next morning. Daytime and nocturnal BP levels were defined on the basis of these times. Nocturnal systolic BP (SBP) dipping was calculated as follows: (daytime SBP−nocturnal SBP)×100/daytime SBP.17 Nocturnal BP dipping, calculated by SBP, is strongly correlated with that calculated by diastolic BP (r=0.8, P<0.0001). Most of the prior literature has used SBP to calculate nocturnal BP dipping,1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17 so we did as well. Clinic BP was measured 3 times with appropriately sized cuffs placed on the right arm and with the participant in a seated, resting state. Clinic BP was defined as the average of the second and third measurements. Hypertension was defined as a self‐reported physician diagnosis of hypertension and prescription antihypertensive medication use or an average clinic SBP ≥140 mm Hg or clinic diastolic BP ≥90 mm Hg.

Data on education, smoking and drinking status, physical activity, medication use, clinical history of coronary heart disease and stroke, and fasting laboratory values were collected using standardized protocols (Data S1).

Brain MRI Assessment

All MRI scans were performed on identically equipped Signa 1.5‐T MRI scanners, and images were centrally processed at the Mayo Clinic. Details of the assessment are included in Data S1. Briefly, total intracranial volume was measured from T1‐weighted spin‐echo sagittal images. Total brain and white matter lesion volumes (cm³) were also determined from axial fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery images. Brain atrophy was defined as brain volume subtracted from total intracranial volume. This measure was strongly correlated with brain atrophy, defined by brain normal tissue volume divided by intracranial volume (Pearson r=−0.89; P<0.0001). WMHs in the corona radiata and periventricular zone, as well as infarcts in the central gray matter, were included in the global white matter lesion volume measurements.

Cognitive Assessment

Participants underwent a neuropsychological assessment using a standardized protocol to assess global cognition and domains of memory, executive function, and processing speed. Details of each cognitive assessment are included in Data S1. Briefly, global cognition was assessed by the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE; range, 0–30).18 Tests of memory included the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) delayed recall (range, 0–15).19 Processing speed was measured using the Digit Symbol Substitution Task (DSST).20 In these tests, higher scores indicate better cognition. Executive function was assessed by the Trail Making Test Part B (TMT‐B).18 A greater time to completion (seconds) indicates poorer performance. We also included the Stroop test, a measure of both processing speed and cognitive flexibility.21 Higher scores indicate better cognition.

Statistical Analyses

Descriptive statistics are presented as means and SDs, proportions, and medians with interquartile ranges, where appropriate. Correlations between nocturnal BP and clinical characteristics were calculated via the Pearson correlation method. Linear and logistic models with generalized estimating equations were used to assess the association between nocturnal BP and each cognitive function, accounting for clustering according to sibship.22 Results were reported as unstandardized regression coefficients associated with a 1‐SD increase of exposures for continuous outcomes and odds ratios for categorical outcomes. The primary outcomes were the measures of cognition function. The primary exposure was nocturnal BP levels, with nocturnal SBP dipping considered as a secondary exposure. To evaluate the effect size of nocturnal BP on outcomes, for comparison, we provided the effect size associated with age, a robust contributor to lower cognition.23 Some investigations of nocturnal SBP dipping and outcomes have demonstrated nonlinear associations17, 24; thus, quartile analyses of nocturnal SBP dipping were also conducted. Possible violations of the assumptions of multiple linear regression were examined by visual inspection of the distribution of residuals through both histograms and normal probability plots. We further checked for deviations of linearity and homoscedasticity by visually inspecting scatterplots of standardized residuals by standardized predicted values. In addition, we assessed variance inflation factors to examine the possibility of multicollinearity; values >2.5 indicated collinearity. The TMT‐B scores were log transformed because of skewed distributions. The MMSE scores, as a continuous variable, did not meet our model diagnostic criteria, even after log transformation. Therefore, we assessed the MMSE as a categorical variable. The lowest quartile group of the distribution of the MMSE score was defined as the presence of low cognition.18, 20

Covariates included demographic variables (age, sex, race, and educational attainment) and clinical characteristics (body mass index, estimated glomerular filtration rate,25 prevalent diabetes mellitus, duration of hypertension, use of antihypertensive medications, prevalent stroke, and clinic SBP levels) (model 1). These covariates were selected a priori because they have known correlations with nocturnal SBP dipping17 and cognitive function and could potentially confound the association between these 2 variables.23 We further adjusted for WMH volumes (model 2) or the extent of brain atrophy (model 3). For the secondary exposure (ie, nocturnal SBP dipping), 24‐hour mean SBP was used as an adjustment factor.

Analyses for heterogeneity of effect between nocturnal BP and cognition by sex, race, or antihypertensive medication use were performed with inclusion of additive interaction terms. Stratified analyses were considered when an interaction was observed (P<0.15). We imputed missing data on cognitive function (Table S1), using multiple imputation chained equations with 20 iterations, as described by Raghunathan et al.26 We conducted sensitivity analyses by doing the following: (1) performing analyses without imputing missing cognitive function test scores; and (2) identifying whether the nocturnal BP‐cognition association was modified by adjustments for physical activity, smoking or drinking status, use of diuretics, renin‐angiotensin system inhibitors, or sympatholytic drugs, or sleep duration during ABPM. These variables were assessed as sensitivity analyses to avoid overfitting in regression models. All statistical analyses were performed with STATA version 12.1. Statistical significance was defined by P<0.05 using 2‐sided tests.

Results

Of the 775 participants, 64.1% were women, 41.6% were black, and 75.8% reported antihypertensive medication use; their mean±SD age at baseline was 63.3±6.7 years (Table 1). Lower educational attainment and smaller magnitude of nocturnal SBP dipping were observed in black versus white individuals, whereas daytime SBP was higher in whites (Table 1). The MMSE, RAVLT, Stroop test, and TMT‐B scores were lower in black versus white individuals, and the difference remained significant after adjusting for covariates, including educational attainment and nocturnal SBP level or dipping (all P<0.001). The distribution of nocturnal or daytime SBP level and nocturnal SBP dipping according to race is shown in Figure S1.

Table 1.

Clinical Characteristics of GENOA Study Cohort Participants

Characteristic	Total (N=755)	Black Individuals (n=314)	White Individuals (n=441)	P Values
Age, mean±SD, y	63.3±6.7	63.2±6.6	63.4±6.8	0.67
Men, %	35.9	29.0	40.8	0.001
Black (self‐identified), %	41.6	100	0	···
Education: less than high school, %	16.4	28.3	7.9	<0.001
Body mass index, mean±SD, kg/m2	30.0±5.1	30.0±4.7	30.0±5.3	0.87
Ever smoker, %	44.1	49.3	40.4	0.01
Current drinker, %	58.0	75.8	45.4	<0.001
Physical activity, mean±SD, score	−10.7±6.1	−12.8±4.3	−9.3±6.7	<0.001
Diabetes mellitus, %	18.3	23.9	14.3	0.001
Total cholesterol, mean±SD, mg/dL	201.8±39.0	203.5±44.0	200.5±35.1	0.31
eGFR, mean±SD, mL/min per 1.73 m2	85.4±21.4	94.5±22.7	79.0±17.9	<0.001
Hypertension, %	82.6	84.8	79.6	0.06
Duration of hypertension, mean±SD, y	12.4±12.3	11.9±12.6	12.8±12.1	0.30
Antihypertensive medication, %	75.8	70.4	79.6	0.004
Diuretics	43.4	43.3	43.5	0.95
Renin‐angiotensin system inhibitor	37.1	38.2	36.3	0.59
Sympatholytic drug	2.0	3.5	0.9	0.01
BP measures, mean±SD
Clinic SBP, mm Hg	135.5±17.8	137.3±19.9	134.1±16.0	0.02
Clinic DBP, mm Hg	76.5±10.2	79.8±10.8	74.1±8.9	<0.001
24‐h SBP, mm Hg	135.9±16.2	132.8±14.2	138.1±17.1	<0.001
24‐h DBP, mm Hg	78.9±9.2	78.7±8.9	79.1±9.4	0.49
Daytime SBP, mm Hg	138.9±16.2	135.2±14.1	141.5±17.1	<0.001
Daytime DBP, mm Hg	81.9±9.5	81.7±9.1	82.1±9.8	0.62
Nocturnal SBP, mm Hg	126.2±18.3	125.2±16.1	126.9±19.7	0.22
Nocturnal DBP, mm Hg	69.4±10.0	69.3±10.2	69.5±9.9	0.71
Nocturnal SBP dipping, %	9.1±7.5	7.4±6.8	10.4±7.7	<0.001
Sleep duration, h	8.3±1.3	8.3±1.1	8.3±1.4	0.78
Prevalent stroke, %	3.3	3.5	3.2	0.80
Prevalent coronary heart disease, %	6.5	4.1	8.2	0.03
Brain MRI, mean±SD, cm3
White matter hyperintensity	9.3±9.5	10.3±11.9	8.5±7.1	0.01
Brain atrophy	311.0±72.5	301.3±69.9	318.0±73.6	0.002
Cognitive function
MMSE, mean±SD, score	28.2±1.9	28.7±1.5	27.5±2.2
MMSE, median (IQR), score	29 (27–30)	28.0 (26.1–29.0)	29.0 (28.0–30.0)	<0.001
Low MMSE (n=214), %	28.3	42.4	19.7	<0.001
DSST, mean±SD, symbols	42.1±14.4	33.2±12.7	48.5±12.0	0.86
RAVLT, mean±SD, words	7.9±3.5	6.8±3.5	8.7±3.2	<0.001
Stroop test, mean±SD, score	177.6±36.0	158.2±34.5	191.4±30.1	<0.001
TMT‐B, mean±SD, s	103.2±55.7	139.0±63.2	77.7±30.1	<0.001
TMT‐B, median (IQR), s	81.0 (66.0–114.0)	121.0 (82.0–190.0)	71.0 (61.0–84.0)
Log TMT‐B, mean±SD, s	4.49±0.46	4.81±0.46	4.26±0.28	<0.001

P values were calculated by unpaired t test or χ² test. Low MMSE was defined as the lowest quartile group of the distribution of the MMSE score. The TMT‐B scores were log transformed because of skewed distributions. BP indicates blood pressure; DBP, diastolic BP; DSST, Digit Symbol Substitution Task; eGFR, estimated glomerular filtration rate; GENOA, Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy; IQR, interquartile range; MMSE, Mini‐Mental State Examination; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; RAVLT, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test; SBP, systolic BP; and TMT‐B, Trail Making Test Part B.

Tables S2 through S7 show the associations between nocturnal BP and clinical characteristics. In black and white individuals, age and prevalent diabetes mellitus were associated with higher nocturnal SBP and less nocturnal SBP dipping.

Nocturnal or daytime SBP level was not associated with the MMSE, RAVLT, DSST, Stroop test, or TMT‐B score (Table 2 and Table S8). However, interactions were found between race and nocturnal SBP level in association with the DSST, Stroop test, and TMT‐B scores (Table 2). In race‐specific regression models, higher nocturnal SBP level was associated with poorer DSST and TMT‐B scores in black but not white individuals (model 1 in Table 3). A nonsignificant trend toward higher nocturnal SBP level associated with poorer Stroop test scores was observed in black but not white individuals. Results were largely similar when we adjusted for WMH volumes (model 2) or the extent of brain atrophy (model 3). In model 1 of Table 3, the unstandardized regression coefficient (95% confidence interval) for DSST score associated with a 1‐year increase of age was −0.70 (−0.90 to −0.50; P<0.001) in black individuals.

Table 2.

Associations Between Nocturnal SBP Levels and Each Cognitive Function

Variables	Low MMSE Score, OR (95% CI)	β (95% CI)
		DSST	RAVLT	Stroop Test	Log TMT‐B
Model 1a
Nocturnal SBP level	1.17 (0.96 to 1.42) P=0.12	−0.91 (−1.64 to −0.18) P=0.01	−0.19 (−0.43 to 0.06) P=0.13	−1.00 (−3.13 to 1.12) P=0.35	0.24 (−0.003 to 0.05) P=0.08
Model 2b
Nocturnal SBP level	1.16 (0.95 to 1.42) P=0.15	−0.88 (−1.62 to −0.14) P=0.02	−0.13 (−0.38 to 0.11) P=0.28	−0.98 (−3.15 to 1.17) P=0.37	0.02 (−0.005 to 0.05) P=0.10
Model 3c
Nocturnal SBP level	1.16 (0.95 to 1.42) P=0.14	−0.91 (−1.64 to −0.19) P=0.01	−0.19 (−0.43 to 0.05) P=0.13	−1.01 (−3.13 to 1.11) P=0.35	0.02 (−0.003 to 0.05) P=0.08
Model 4d
Nocturnal SBP level×race	1.00 (0.69 to 1.46) P=0.99	−1.63 (−3.15 to −0.12) P=0.03	−0.14 (−0.64 to 0.35) P=0.57	−3.31 (−7.48 to 0.85) P=0.12	0.05 (−0.01 to 0.11) P=0.13

N=755. Adjusted OR or β (95% CI) values associated with 1‐SD increase of nocturnal SBP levels (+18.3 mm Hg) are shown. Statistical significance was defined as P<0.05. β indicates unstandardized regression coefficient; CI, confidence interval; DSST, Digit Symbol Substitution Task; MMSE, Mini‐Mental State Examination; OR, odds ratio; RAVLT, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test; SBP, systolic blood pressure; and TMT‐B, Trail Making Test Part B.

^aAdjustment factors for model 1 included demographic variables (age, sex, race, and education) plus clinical characteristics (body mass index, estimated glomerular filtration rate, prevalent diabetes mellitus, duration of hypertension, use of antihypertensive medications, prevalent stroke, and clinic SBP levels).

^bAdjustment factors for model 2 included demographic variables, clinical characteristics, and white matter hyperintensity volumes.

^cAdjustment factors for model 3 included demographic variables, clinical characteristics, and brain atrophy.

^dAdjustment factors for model 4 included demographic variables, clinical characteristics, and nocturnal SBP levels×race.

Table 3.

Race‐Specific Associations Between Nocturnal SBP Levels and Each Cognitive Function

Variables	DSST		Stroop Test		Log TMT‐B
	Black Individuals (n=314)	White Individuals (n=441)	Black Individuals (n=314)	White Individuals (n=441)	Black Individuals (n=314)	White Individuals (n=441)
Model 1a
Nocturnal SBP level	−1.98 (−3.28 to −0.69) P=0.003	−0.41 (−1.27 to 0.44) P=0.35	−3.45 (−7.16 to 2.54) P=0.07	−0.45 (−3.06 to 2.16) P=0.74	0.06 (0.004–0.12) P=0.048	0.02 (−0.13 to 0.04) P=0.28
Model 2b
Nocturnal SBP level	−2.00 (−3.33 to −0.67) P=0.003	−0.37 (−1.24 to 0.49) P=0.40	−3.67 (−7.44 to 0.09) P=0.06	−0.38 (−3.01 to 2.24) P=0.78	0.06 (−0.003 to 0.12) P=0.06	0.01 (−0.01 to 0.04) P=0.31
Model 3c
Nocturnal SBP level	−1.96 (−3.26 to −0.65) P=0.003	−0.41 (−1.27 to 0.44) P=0.34	−3.38 (−7.04 to 0.27) P=0.07	−0.46 (−3.07 to 2.15) P=0.73	0.06 (−0.001 to 0.12) P=0.05	0.02 (−0.01 to 0.04) P=0.28

Data are given as adjusted unstandardized regression coefficient (95% CI) values associated with 1‐SD increase of nocturnal SBP levels (+18.3 mm Hg). Statistical significance was defined as P<0.05. DSST indicates Digit Symbol Substitution Task; SBP, systolic blood pressure; and TMT‐B, Trail Making Test Part B.

^aAdjustment factors for model 1 included demographic variables (age, sex, and education) plus clinical characteristics (body mass index, estimated glomerular filtration rate, prevalent diabetes mellitus, duration of hypertension, use of antihypertensive medications, prevalent stroke, and clinic SBP levels).

^bAdjustment factors for model 2 included demographic variables, clinical characteristics, and white matter hyperintensity volumes.

^cAdjustment factors for model 3 included demographic variables, clinical characteristics, and brain atrophy.

With adjustments for covariates, smaller nocturnal SBP dipping was associated with poorer RAVLT scores, but not with MMSE, DSST, and Stroop test scores (Table 4). Results were similar when we adjusted for 24‐hour SBP levels (model 2), WMH volumes (model 3), or the extent of brain atrophy (model 4). A nonsignificant trend toward smaller nocturnal SBP dipping associated with poorer TMT‐B scores was observed. In model 2 of Table 2, the unstandardized regression coefficient (95% confidence interval) for RAVLT score associated with a 1‐year increase of age was −0.10 (−0.14 to −0.06; all P<0.001). Quartile analyses of nocturnal SBP dipping did not show a J‐ or U‐shaped association between dipping and cognition (Figure). Interactions were found between race and nocturnal SBP dipping in association with the DSST, Stroop test, and TMT‐B scores (model 5 in Table 4). In race‐specific regression models, a smaller magnitude of nocturnal SBP dipping was associated with worse DSST or TMT‐B score in black but not white individuals (model 1 in Table 5). Results were largely similar when we adjusted for 24‐hour SBP levels (model 2), WMH volumes (model 3), or the extent of brain atrophy (model 4). Additional adjustments for physical activity; smoking or drinking status; use of diuretics, renin‐angiotensin system inhibitors, or sympatholytic drugs; or sleep duration during ABPM did not change the results (data not shown).

Table 4.

Associations Between Nocturnal SBP Dipping and Each Cognitive Function

Variables	Low MMSE Score, OR (95% CI)	β (95% CI)
		DSST	RAVLT	Stroop Test	Log TMT‐B
Model 1a
Nocturnal SBP dipping	0.92 (0.76 to 1.11) P=0.38	0.64 (−0.05 to 1.33) P=0.07	0.34 (0.12–0.56) P=0.003	0.84 (−1.10 to 2.78) P=0.39	−0.03 (−0.05 to −0.001) P=0.04
Model 2b
Nocturnal SBP dipping	0.93 (0.77 to 1.13) P=0.48	0.57 (−0.12 to 1.26) P=0.11	0.34 (0.12–0.57) P=0.003	0.77 (−1.19 to 2.72) P=0.44	−0.03 (−0.05 to 0.003) P=0.05
Model 3c
Nocturnal SBP dipping	0.95 (0.78 to 1.15) P=0.60	0.55 (−0.14 to 1.25) P=0.12	0.32 (0.09–0.54) P=0.006	0.76 (−1.21 to 2.73) P=0.45	−0.03 (−0.05 to 0.002) P=0.05
Model 4d
Nocturnal SBP dipping	0.95 (0.78 to 1.15) P=0.59	0.54 (−0.16 to 1.25) P=0.13	0.33 (0.11–0.55) P=0.004	0.73 (−1.24 to 2.69) P=0.47	−0.03 (−0.05 to 0.001) P=0.05
Model 5e
Nocturnal SBP dipping×race	0.76 (0.53 to 1.10) P=0.15	1.99 (0.52–3.46) P=0.008	0.06 (−0.43 to 0.54) P=0.82	3.64 (−0.51 to 7.80) P=0.09	−0.05 (−0.11 to −0.005) P=0.07

N=755. Adjusted OR or β (95% CI) values associated with 1‐SD increase of nocturnal SBP dipping (7.5% reduction of nocturnal SBP from daytime SBP) are shown. Statistical significance was defined as P<0.05. β indicates unstandardized regression coefficient; CI, confidence interval; DSST, Digit Symbol Substitution Task; MMSE, Mini‐Mental State Examination; OR, odds ratio; RAVLT, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test; SBP; systolic blood pressure; and TMT‐B, Trail Making Test Part B.

^aAdjustment factors for model 1 included demographic variables (age, sex, race, and education) plus clinical characteristics (body mass index, estimated glomerular filtration rate, prevalent diabetes mellitus, duration of hypertension, use of antihypertensive medications, prevalent stroke, and clinic SBP levels).

^bAdjustment factors for model 2 included demographic variables, clinical characteristics, and 24‐hour mean SBP levels.

^cAdjustment factors for model 3 included demographic variables, clinical characteristics, 24‐hour mean SBP levels, and white matter hyperintensity volumes.

^dAdjustment factors for model 4 included demographic variables, clinical characteristics, 24‐hour mean SBP levels, and brain atrophy.

^eAdjustment factors for model 5 included demographic variables, clinical characteristics, 24‐hour mean SBP levels, and nocturnal SBP dipping×race.

Figure 1.

Cognitive function by nocturnal systolic blood pressure (SBP) dipping quartiles. A, Adjusted odds ratio (OR; 95% confidence interval [CI]) of low Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE; defined as the lowest quartile of the distribution of the MMSE scores) by nocturnal SBP dipping quartiles. The Trail Making Test Part B (TMT‐B) scores were log transformed because of skewed distributions. The first quartile group was defined as a reference. B through E, Adjusted means (95% CIs) of each cognitive test score by nocturnal SBP dipping quartile. The first quartile group was defined as a reference. Adjustment factors included age, sex, race, education, clinical characteristics (body mass index, estimated glomerular filtration rate, prevalent diabetes mellitus, duration of hypertension, use of antihypertensive medications, prevalent stroke, and clinic SBP levels), and 24‐hour mean SBP levels. All P values shown were for trend tests. Statistical significance was defined as P<0.05. DSST indicates Digit Symbol Substitution Task; and RAVLT, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test.

Table 5.

Race‐Specific Associations Between Nocturnal SBP Dipping and Each Cognitive Function

Variables	DSST		Stroop Test		Log TMT‐B
	Black Individuals (n=314)	White Individuals (n=441)	Black Individuals (n=314)	White Individuals (n=441)	Black Individuals (n=314)	White Individuals (n=441)
Model 1a
Nocturnal SBP dipping	1.49 (0.34 to 2.64) P=0.01	0.12 (−0.74 to 1.00) P=0.78	2.71 (−0.75 to 6.18) P=0.12	0.23 (−2.29 to 2.75) P=0.86	−0.05 (−0.10 to −0.002) P=0.04	−0.01 (−0.04 to 0.01) P=0.32
Model 2b
Nocturnal SBP dipping	1.41 (0.24 to 2.57) P=0.02	0.07 (−0.81 to 0.93) P=0.88	2.56 (−1.04 to 6.16) P=0.16	0.17 (−2.35 to 2.68) P=0.90	−0.05 (−0.10 to −0.00003) P=0.05	−0.01 (−0.04 to 0.02) P=0.36
Model 3c
Nocturnal SBP dipping	1.41 (0.24 to 2.58) P=0.02	−0.001 (−0.89 to 0.88) P=0.997	2.60 (−0.99 to 6.20) P=0.16	0.04 (−2.52 to 2.59) P=0.98	−0.05 (−0.09 to −0.001) P=0.05	−0.01 (−0.04 to 0.02) P=0.43
Model 4d
Nocturnal SBP dipping	1.37 (0.22 to 2.52) P=0.02	0.06 (−0.82 to 0.94) P=0.90	2.49 (−1.01 to 5.99) P=0.16	0.15 (−2.38 to 2.68) P=0.91	−0.05 (−0.10 to −0.002) P=0.06	−0.01 (−0.04 to 0.02) P=0.38

Data are given as adjusted unstandardized regression coefficient (95% CI) values associated with 1‐SD increase of nocturnal SBP dipping (7.5% reduction of nocturnal SBP from daytime SBP). Statistical significance was defined as P<0.05. DSST indicates Digit Symbol Substitution Task; SBP, systolic blood pressure; and TMT‐B, Trail Making Test Part B.

^aAdjustment factors for model 1 included demographic variables (age, sex, and education) plus clinical characteristics (body mass index, estimated glomerular filtration rate, prevalent diabetes mellitus, duration of hypertension, use of antihypertensive medications, prevalent stroke, and clinic SBP levels).

^bAdjustment factors for model 2 included demographic variables, clinical characteristics, and 24‐hour mean SBP levels.

^cAdjustment factors for model 3 included demographic variables, clinical characteristics, 24‐hour mean SBP levels, and white matter hyperintensity volumes.

^dAdjustment factors for model 4 included demographic variables, clinical characteristics, 24‐hour mean SBP levels, and brain atrophy.

There was no evidence of interaction of nocturnal SBP level or dipping with sex or antihypertensive medication use in association with any cognitive function score (all P>0.20). Results with and without imputing missing cognitive test scores were similar in terms of the point estimate for nocturnal SBP level and dipping (Tables S9 through S12).

Discussion

In this community‐based, biracial cohort of middle‐aged and older adults, higher nocturnal SBP levels and smaller nocturnal SBP dipping were associated with lower executive function (ie, higher TMT‐B scores) and with slower processing speed (ie, lower DSST scores) in self‐identified black but not white individuals. Smaller nocturnal SBP dipping was associated with lower memory (ie, lower RAVLT scores) in both black and white individuals. These associations were independent of brain structural alterations (ie, WMH volumes or brain atrophy). Daytime SBP levels were not associated with cognition in either racial group.

Nocturnal SBP levels and nocturnal SBP dipping were associated with TMT‐B and DSST scores only in black individuals. A nonsignificant trend was observed only in black individuals between higher nocturnal SBP and poorer Stroop test scores, which reflect white matter integrity in the frontal lobe and, thereby, executive function.21, 27 Nocturnal SBP levels and dipping were not associated with MMSE scores, potentially because of their lack of sensitivity to mild cognitive impairment.28 Whether the effects of nocturnal SBP on the brain are, in fact, regionally specific will require further investigation.29, 30 Structural changes related to the effects of high BP on the cerebral vasculature, including WMH and brain atrophy, have been proposed as a potential mechanistic link between high BP and cognitive dysfunction.29, 30 In our findings, the association between nocturnal SBP and cognition was slightly attenuated, but remained statistically significant even after adjustment for the extent of WMH and brain atrophy. More advanced imaging, taking into account microinfarcts, microbleeds, and cerebrovascular reactivity, and possible nonvascular pathological features (eg, β‐amyloid)31, 32 may shed additional light on the mechanistic links between higher nocturnal SBP and lower cognition.

Nocturnal BP compared with clinic or daytime BP could reflect existing pathophysiological features, including sympathovagal imbalance, volume retention, impaired salt excretion, and/or disturbed breathing during sleep.11, 12, 13, 14, 17 Spruill et al demonstrated that unmarried status and lower educational attainment were independently associated with nondipping and together accounted for 36% of the racial difference in nocturnal SBP dipping between black and white individuals.11 Psychological factors, including anger, hostility, depression, and stress, have been associated with nondipping in black individuals.12, 13 Higher nocturnal SBP levels or smaller nocturnal SBP dipping could be merely epiphenomenon of other contributing conditions. A stronger association of nocturnal BP with cognition in black compared with white individuals might be attributable to differences in the pathophysiological features of higher nocturnal BP across the racial groups. For example, adverse stressors (eg, psychosocial stress and sleep deprivation), sleep‐disordered breathing, and/or lower socioeconomic status, which are more common in black than white individuals, could lead to both higher nocturnal BP and lower cognitive function in black individuals.10, 11, 12, 13, 33, 34, 35 Determining the race‐specific mechanisms underlying higher nocturnal BP may lead to individualized interventions to prevent or slow cognitive decline.

The superiority of nocturnal BP dipping compared with nocturnal BP levels as a correlate of lower cognitive function has been demonstrated.36, 37 We found that nocturnal SBP dipping, but not nocturnal SBP levels, was associated with RAVLT scores, which reflect hippocampal (memory) function, in both black and white individuals. Despite strong correlation between nocturnal SBP dipping and nocturnal SBP levels (Pearson r=−0.6), the independent associations of these variables with brain function may differ.17 Nocturnal SBP dipping is determined by nocturnal BP levels and also by BP levels during daily activities, exercise, and postural change from sitting to standing.17, 38, 39 Although adjustment for physical activity did not materially change our findings, we cannot exclude possible residual confounding affecting the association of nocturnal BP dipping with memory. For example, orthostatic hypotension and psychological distress (eg, depression) may lead to both smaller nocturnal BP dipping and hippocampal damage.38, 40, 41, 42 Given that hippocampal neurons are highly vulnerable to disturbances of the cerebral circulation and adverse stressors,43, 44 nocturnal SBP dipping (versus nocturnal SBP levels) might have a stronger association with hippocampal function.

Strengths of this study include the well‐characterized, community‐based biracial cohort; the standardized data collection protocols and rigorous quality control of the GENOA Study; and application of a comprehensive standardized cognitive test battery. There are also several limitations. First, because the findings of this study are based on a cross‐sectional analysis, we are unable to determine the direction of the relationships observed. Further longitudinal studies will be needed to corroborate and elucidate our findings. Second, participants were from limited sites in the United States and, thus, might not be representative of the general US population. Third, self‐identified race might not be as accurate as direct assessment of individual genomic information. Fourth, although statistically significant, the effect sizes of nocturnal SBP levels or dipping on cognition were relatively small. Nevertheless, these effect sizes corresponded to age differences of ≈3 years. Fifth, participants taking antihypertensive medication were included. Of participants, 76% received antihypertensive medications; thus, stratified analyses by the presence or absence of medications were not conducted. Furthermore, the number of medications that required more than a single daily dose was unknown in this study. Medications with short durations of action might be related to higher nocturnal BP and, subsequently, lower cognitive function. Sixth, we have only a single measurement of ABPM, and the reproducibility of nocturnal BP dipping may be limited. Some participants might have had sleep deprivation during the overnight BP monitoring, although there was evidence that sleep quality did not affect the dipping‐cognition association in a prior community‐based cohort.1 In addition, we used self‐reported bedtimes from participants who underwent ABPM, which may be less accurate than an objective measurement. These limitations potentially dilute any true association between nocturnal BP and cognition.

We highlight the clinical relevance of nocturnal SBP levels and dipping on the brain in middle‐aged and older black and white individuals (ie, both nocturnal SBP levels and circadian rhythm in SBP appear important in identifying risk for lower cognitive function). This may be important for black individuals in particular. Further studies are warranted to assess whether reductions in nocturnal SBP or restoration of normal circadian BP variation can help to limit declines in cognition in later life. This hypothesis will need to be confirmed in interventional trials, with consideration of all the complex issues at play, including cost‐effectiveness, availability, and patient perspectives.

Sources of Funding

The GENOA (Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy) and GMBI (Genetics of Microangiopathic Brain Injury) studies were supported by US Public Health Service grants (U01HL054463, U01HL054464, and R01NS41558). Yano is partially supported by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health (award P20GM104357). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

Disclosures

None.

Supporting information

Data S1. Supplemental Methods.

Table S1. Number and Type of Imputed Variables

Table S2. Race‐Specific Associations Between Nocturnal SBP Levels and Demographic Variables and Clinical Characteristics (n=755)

Table S3. Race‐Specific Associations Between Nocturnal SBP Levels and Demographic Variables and Clinical Characteristics (n=755)

Table S4. Race‐Specific Associations Between Nocturnal DBP Levels and Demographic Variables and Clinical Characteristics (n=755)

Table S5. Associations Between Nocturnal DBP Levels and Demographic Variables and Clinical Characteristics (n=755)

Table S6. Race‐Specific Associations Between Nocturnal SBP Dipping and Demographic Variables and Clinical Characteristics (n=755)

Table S7. Associations Between Nocturnal SBP Dipping and Demographic Variables and Clinical Characteristics (n=755)

Table S8. Associations Between Daytime SBP Levels and Each Cognitive Function (n=755)

Table S9. Associations Between Nocturnal SBP Levels and Each Cognitive Function (Without Multiple Imputation)

Table S10. Race‐Specific Associations Between Nocturnal SBP Levels and Each Cognitive Function (Without Multiple Imputation)

Table S11. Associations Between Nocturnal SBP Dipping and Each Cognitive Function (Without Multiple Imputation)

Table S12. Race‐Specific Associations Between Nocturnal SBP Dipping and Each Cognitive Function (Without Multiple Imputation)

Figure S1. Histogram of nocturnal SBP levels and dipping.

(J Am Heart Assoc.2017;6:e007022 DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.117.007022.)29079569