Dementia is a prevalent neurodegenerative condition among older adults, ranking as the seventh leading global cause of death and a major contributor to disability and dependency in this demographic. A high salt diet and high blood pressure increase the risk of dementia. However, how these risk factors contribute to a progressive decline in brain function is poorly understood. Our lab developed a novel mouse model where we can induce large blood pressure fluctuations, while maintaining average blood pressure within normal ranges. We will use this animal model of blood pressure variability (BPV), in combination with a high salt diet (HSD) in middle-aged mice, thereby recapitulating human risk factors for cognitive decline. The primary goal is to determine if the combined presence of these variables (HSD+BPV) leads to the early onset of cognitive decline and/or hypertension. We will investigate whether HSD + BPV: 1) Evokes larger blood pressure fluctuations and leads to sustained hypertension? 2) Decreases cerebral perfusion, under steady-state conditions? 3) Increases damage to the microcirculation resulting in a leaky blood brain barrier (BBB)? and 4) Impairs cognitive function and neurovascular outputs? Findings from this study will contribute to a better understanding of and treatment for individuals at risk for high blood pressure and dementia.