Increased blood pressure can increase the risk of various diseases. According to various studies, it raises the risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney damage. The new studies done in London prove the connection between high blood pressure and dementia. Majority of the aged people are suffering from one or the other forms of dementia.

The recent studies show that people suffering from high blood pressure are six times likely to have dementia in their old age. The exact reasons behind this association are yet not clear. But many doctors believe that high BP can reduce the bloodflow resulting in reduction in amount of oxygen to brain. Vascular dementia is the second most common form of the disease after Alzheimer's. It happens when blood vessels in the brain become damaged and brain cells begin to die. However other forms of dementia are not directly connected with high BP.  

These two studies were done differently by the Alzheimer's Society and the Imperial College London team. The researchers of Imperial College London team found that blood pressure drugs reduce dementia by 13%. The research also showed that one in every four persons has high BP. But all of them are not treated because some cases are either undiagnosed or untreated.

Dr Ingmar Skoog, from the Institute of Neurosciences at Sweden's Goteburg University, emphasized the importance of treatment of high blood pressure because it is the initiator of many more diseases other than dementia.

Rebecca Wood, from the Alzheimer's Research Trust, said that the recent research can offer hope to the 700,000 people in the UK with dementia.

Chief Executive Neil Hunt of the trust added, "People fear dementia more than any other condition in later life; it is a devastating disease that robs people of their lives. Everyone should get their blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly and receive effective treatment if they are at risk."

This recent research will help in relieving fears of men and women of having dementia in their old age.