A fluctuating blood pressure in adults aged 65 years or above could increase chances of problems with thinking and memory, a study has found.

Researchers from Rush University, US, found that individuals whose blood pressure varied the most had lower cognitive scores, compared to those showing the least changes. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a known risk factor for cognitive function.

“With our ageing society and the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease, identifying prevention strategies to slow the decline of cognitive skills in older adults has become a public health priority,” Anisa Dhana, from Rush University and an author of the study published in the journal Neurology, said.