Elderly people with high blood pressure and slow blood flow in their carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain, are at a higher risk of cognitive decline. That’s according to new research from the National Health Research Institutes (NHRI) on Monday.
Cognitive decline is a common symptom of the aging process. It involves impaired memory, language, thinking and judgement. People who suffer from cognitive decline are at an elevated risk of developing dementia.
NHRI researchers have studied a total of 1,650 people over the age of 50 who exhibit normal cognitive function. The results found that high blood pressure or slow blood flow in carotid arteries can lead to insufficient blood circulation in the brain. That increases the risk of stroke or cognitive decline.
Researchers say other factors that could lead to a higher risk of cognitive decline include high blood sugar, high blood lipids, and smoking. They say by getting more exercise, it’s possible to delay cognitive decline.