What consequence can untreated hypertension have on the nervous system?

Untreated hypertension can lead to significant damage to the nervous system, primarily through an increased likelihood of cerebrovascular accidents, commonly known as strokes. High blood pressure can cause blood vessels in the brain to weaken and potentially rupture, resulting in hemorrhagic strokes. Additionally, chronic hypertension can lead to ischemic strokes, where blood flow is blocked due to clots forming in the arteries, inhibiting oxygen delivery to parts of the brain.

Over time, untreated hypertension can result in further complications, such as vascular dementia, where blood flow issues contribute to cognitive decline. This underscores the importance of managing blood pressure to protect neurological health. The other options, which suggest improved cognitive function, a reduced risk of dementia, or enhanced neural connectivity, do not accurately reflect the consequences of untreated hypertension on the nervous system. Instead, these conditions could be part of the positive outcomes associated with well-managed blood pressure rather than the result of untreated hypertension.