Fluctuating Blood Pressure Linked to Brain Shrinkage and Nerve Damage: Study

A new study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease has found that frequent short-term fluctuations in blood pressure — even among people with normal averages — may increase the risk of brain shrinkage and nerve cell injury.

Researchers from the University of Southern California discovered that older adults with high blood pressure dynamic instability — measured through Average Real Variability (ARV) and Arterial Stiffness Index (ASI) — showed smaller volumes in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex, key regions for memory and learning.

“These moment-to-moment swings appear to be associated with the same kinds of brain changes we see in early neurodegeneration,” said lead researcher Prof. Daniel Nation.

MRI scans of 105 participants aged 55–89 revealed that those with high BP variability also had elevated levels of neurofilament light (NfL) — a biomarker indicating nerve cell damage.

Experts say the findings underscore the importance of maintaining not just normal blood pressure levels but also stable blood pressure patterns to protect brain health and prevent dementia.