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Hypertension linked to memory loss

Those people with hypertension are more likely to suffer from memory loss and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), according to a new report. MCI is the intermediate stage of dementia.

This study

A group of 918 people of an average age of 76 had their blood pressure and cognitive abilities analyzed over a 5 year period.

At the end of the study, people with high blood pressure were 40% more likely to have cognitive and memory impairment than those with normal blood pressure.

In addition, those people with hypertension were 70% more likely to suffer impairment of their language skills and attention span.

Conclusions

The study was published in the Archives of Neurology. The study authors wrote in their conclusion, "A history of hypertension is related to a higher risk of MCI. These findings suggest that prevention and treatment of hypertension may have an important impact in lowering the risk of cognitive impairment."

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