Study suggests smoking and high blood pressure linked to cognitive decline

Research at the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust & King's College London has found that smoking and high blood pressure may be associated with accelerated decline of memory, learning, attention and reasoning in older adults.

The study of more than 8,000 adults was published today (Monday 26 November) in the journal Age and Ageing. It found that participants over the age of 50 who smoked, had high blood pressure or were most at risk of suffering a stroke, performed more poorly on a range of cognitive tasks designed to test memory recall, verbal fluency, attention and other cognitive outcomes.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'We all know smoking, a high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and a high BMI is bad for our heart. This research adds to the huge amount of evidence that also suggests they can be bad for our head too.

'One in three people over 65 will develop dementia but there are things people can do to reduce their risk. Eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, getting your blood pressure and cholesterol checked and not smoking can all make a difference.'

Jessica Smith
Research Officer
Alzheimer’s Society

- Ends -

Research reference: Alex Dregan et al, Kings College London, Cardiovascular risk factors and cognitive decline in adults aged 50 and over: a population-based cohort study, the journal Age and Aging, Monday 26 November 2012

Notes to editors:

• One in three people over 65 will develop with dementia
• Alzheimer’s Society research shows that 800,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer’s disease. In less than ten years 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 has a plan to deal with dementia. Help us support people to live well today and fight for a world without dementia tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. 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 0300 222 11 22 or visit alzheimers.org.uk