Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the term for slightly impaired mental functioning, which causes learning and thinking difficulties. MCI comes in two forms - amnestic and non-amnestic - depending on scores in tests of memory. It seems that high blood pressure in people over 65 is associated with mild cognitive impairment, according to a report in the Archives of Neurology.

A total of 918 Medicare recipients without any evidence of MCI were followed for an average of over 4½ years. During that time, 334 cases of MCI were diagnosed - 160 amnestic and 174 nonamnestic. High blood pressure was associated with an increased risk of the nonamnestic type of MCI, but not with the amnestic type. Impaired scores of 'executive ability' were linked to the degree of high blood pressure, but not with language or memory scores.

This finding should reinforce the importance of people with high blood pressure taking their treatment religiously. If it's not bringing your blood pressure under control, see your doctor and get something that really works. It's too important to leave to the 'wait and see' approach.