Alzheimer’s Society comment on research linking high blood pressure to memory problems
Published 26 August 2009
Data in a recent study published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology links elevated diastolic blood pressure to the cognitive impairment of people over 45
The study of nearly 20,000 people aged 45 (average age 65) found that people with high diastolic blood pressure, the bottom number of a blood pressure reading, were more likely to have cognitive impairment or problems with their memory than people with normal readings.
Previous research has demonstrated that people with high blood pressure have an increased risk of developing dementia later in life.
High blood pressure affects one in three adults in the UK with a quarter of people not aware that they have it.
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society
Reference: 'Association of higher diastolic blood pressure levels with cognitive impairment' G Tsivgoulis, MD, A.V Alexandrov, MD et al (Neurology, 25 August 2009)
Notes to editors
Previous research has demonstrated that people with high blood pressure have an increased risk of developing dementia later in life.
High blood pressure affects one in three adults in the UK with a quarter of people not aware that they have it.
'This large study adds weight to the growing body of evidence that high blood pressure can be linked to cognitive impairment. Now further study is needed to establish why these two factors could be linked.Dr Susanne Sorensen
'Alzheimer's Society recommends that you can reduce your blood pressure by exercising regularly, eating healthily and not smoking. High blood pressure can often also be controlled by medication so if you're not sure what your blood pressure is or haven't had it checked recently you should visit your GP to have it measured.'
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society
Reference: 'Association of higher diastolic blood pressure levels with cognitive impairment' G Tsivgoulis, MD, A.V Alexandrov, MD et al (Neurology, 25 August 2009)
Notes to editors
- One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
- Alzheimer's Society research shows that 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051.
- Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them.
- Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to help people live well with
dementia today and for research to find a cure for tomorrow. You can
donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
- Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk
