High Blood Pressure Linked to Memory Problems

A 2009 study by researchers for the American Academy of Neurology concluded that high diastolic blood pressure (the lower/second number in a blood pressure reading) was associated with cognitive impairment and memory problems. In the study, hypertensive people (diastolic pressure of 90 or greater) were found to be more likely to have problems with reasoning and recollection than those with normal diastolic pressures (80 or less). Every 10 point increase in diastolic pressure increased the odds of suffering some cognitive impairment by about 7%.

It's no news that high blood pressures are implicated in serious health risks such as heart attacks and strokes. Here is one more reason to pay attention. High blood pressure has genetic, dietary and lifestyle components. Are you managing the two that are under your complete control? Do you even know what your blood pressure is? Or did you forget?