Feel lightheaded when standing up? You may have a greater risk of developing dementia later in life, a new study has found.

The study published in Neurology found people who feel dizzy or lightheaded when they stand up may have an increased risk of developing dementia years later. The condition, called orthostatic hypotension (which is a form of low blood pressure), occurs when a person stands up.

However, the link with dementia is only established with cases where people have a drop in their systolic blood pressure and not in people with only a drop in their diastolic blood pressure or their blood pressure overall. Systolic is the first, or top, number in a blood pressure reading.

Author of the research, Laure Rouch stated that: “People’s blood pressure when they move from sitting to standing should be monitored.

“It’s possible that controlling these blood pressure drops could be a promising way to help preserve people’s thinking and memory skills as they age.”

These are the findings of the study

The study involved 2,131 people, who were at an average age of 73 and did not have dementia when they enrolled. At the start of the study, their blood pressure readings were taken and then again one, three and five years later. Out of the total, 15 per cent had orthostatic hypotension, 9 per cent had systolic orthostatic hypotension and 6 per cent had diastolic orthostatic hypotension.

Over the next 12 years, the participants were evaluated to see if anyone developed dementia. A total of 462 people did develop the disease. The people with systolic orthostatic hypotension were nearly 40 per cent more likely to develop dementia than those who did not have the condition.

Almost half a million Australians are currently living with dementia, and the number of cases is steadily rising as people live longer healthier lives. Dementia is not one specific disease but describes a collection of symptoms that are caused by disorders affecting the brain. It can affect thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday tasks.

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.