Link between hypertension and cognition
High blood pressure appears to be associated with an increased risk for mild cognitive impairment. This results in difficulties with language, thinking and learning.
A study reported in the Archives of Neurology followed Americans with an average age of 76.
People with hypertension had a 40 per cent increased risk of developing mild cognitive impairment.
More specifically, they had a 70 per cent higher risk for the non-amnestic form that does not involve broader memory difficulties.
The researchers said it was the first study to show a clear link between the two conditions.