Untreated and sustained hypertension has an adverse effect on brain structure and function, and is a risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia. Blood pressure (BP) variability from measurement-to-measurement has been associated with lower cognitive functioning and is considered a stronger predictor of mental performance than averaged BP. However, recent studies suggest that BP measurements read more UMaine Study Finds BP Assessments Still an Important Diagnostic Tool to Preclude Cognitive Decline Due to Hypertension