One of the most easily identified and treated conditions of the human body is hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure (HBP). What’s truly amazing is that there are so many medicines that can be used along with a few simple lifestyle changes to eliminate or at least help control the damage done by high blood pressure. Stopping smoking, losing weight, eating right, getting enough sleep and exercise regularly are a good start.

Beside increased risks for a stroke or heart attack, high blood pressure has also been found to be a serious risk factor for both Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. In one study, people with hypertension were more than twice as likely to develop vascular dementia as those with normal blood pressure. High blood pressure is also likely to increase the risk of progressing from mild cognitive impairment to full-blown Alzheimer’s disease.

Hopefully that got your attention. A research study done in 2011 found that people who had mild cognitive impairment plus risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol were twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease as those who didn’t have those risk factors.

In a recent study involving 20,000 people over the age of 45, researchers found that those with a “…high diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number of a reading equal to or greater than 90) were more likely to have memory problems than those with normal blood pressure readings.” Using what is considered to be a healthy blood pressure reading of 120/80, researchers found that for every 10-point increase in blood pressure the odds of having a memory problems increased by seven percent.

The impact of high blood pressure on memory isn’t always immediately apparent. The Framingham Heart Study showed that the average blood pressure of a person in his or her 40s was found to impact his or her performance on repeated mental testing as much as two decades later, and an increase of 40 points in a BP reading can impact the body and brain by adding a decade of aging.

Researchers found that the overall risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease was 36 percent lower among elderly people who had used any type of blood pressure medication. For those who had taken a diuretic for their high blood pressure, the risk reduction was 43 percent. Those are significant numbers.

The conclusion to be drawn from this is simple. You’d be wise to see a professional and have your blood pressure checked regularly.  Maintaining a normal blood pressure of 120/80 through a healthy lifestyle, and if necessary, doctor-prescribed medications to control your blood pressure can help you protect your heart, your brain, and possibly prevent other major health issues later in life.

Ron Kauffman is a consultant and expert speaker on issues of aging, Medicare and Obamacare. Ron is the author of “Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease,” available as a Kindle book on Amazon.com. His podcasts can be heard weekly at www.seniorlifestyles.net. Contact Ron at 828-696-9799 or by email at drron561@gmail.com.