CINCINNATI (WKRC) - If you haven't checked your blood pressure in a while, this study may make you want to know your number.
The study in the Journal of the American Medical Association says your blood pressure may hold the secret to better brain power. For years, we have heard that what's good for the heart is good for the head. Now, we know how good.
A major trial funded by the National Institutes of Health is one of the first of this size and scope to show a direct connection between lowering blood pressure and mild cognitive impairment, which is a problem with memory and thinking linked to dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers looked at more than 9,000 people as part of two long-term trials. Adults 50 and older were asked to keep their top blood pressure, or systolic, number at no more than 120. It used to be that up to about 140 was acceptable.
They found keeping this top number down to 120 did lower the risk for cognitive problems, and it may also lower the risk of stroke.
There are several ways to bring blood pressure down, but it may be ideal to try and do this with lifestyle changes. But even if you lower it with medication, it does appear you still lower these long-term risks.
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