High blood pressure increases dementia risk

High blood pressure, especially at midlife, is consistently associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. Treatment of hypertension has been found to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia in several studies.

The following pages describe the current evidence that suggests assessment and control of blood pressure are important for reducing dementia risk and provide links to resources for health professionals and for patients.

Hypertension and dementia evidence – what’s the evidence that blood pressure influences dementia risk?

Clinical resources for hypertension – assessment and management of hypertension

Blood pressure resources for patients – information on blood pressure for the general public