Having low blood pressure could triple the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, a major study suggests. More than 520,000 Britons have Alzheimer's - the most common form of dementia and the UK's leading cause of death.The disease is commonly associated with age - as over 65s are more likely to be diagnosed - but fresh research from Michigan Technological University suggests low blood pressure may also be a factor.Officially known as hypotension, low blood pressure is generally defined as a reading below 90/60mmHg, although whether it is considered a medical problem often depends on symptoms. Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury, or mmHg, which reflects the pressure of blood against the artery walls. By contrast, a clinic reading of 140/90mmHg or higher may indicate high blood pressure, or hypertension, although the diagnosis is usually confirmed using home or 24-hour monitoring. While around a third of adults in the UK have high blood pressure - which can cause heart attacks and strokes - low blood pressure generally receives less attention. However, the new findings suggest it may also carry significant health risks. The study, published in the Journal of American Heart Association, found that adults in the UK were three times as likely to develop Alzheimer's if they had low blood pressure compared to those who did not. Meanwhile in the US, they were almost twice as likely. Having low blood pressure could triple the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease , a major study suggestsEveryone experiences dementia differently. Use this checklist to help you make a note of your symptoms before you talk to your GP.Elisabeth Marsh, chair of the American Heart Association's 2026 Scientific Statement Brain Health Across the Lifespan, said: 'We've known for a long time that high blood pressure can have damaging long-term effects on the brain.'This study shows us that blood pressure can also become a problem when it is too low for long periods of time. The brain needs blood to get the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function properly. 'While science is beginning to understand the mechanisms that lead to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline as people age, it's not surprising that low blood pressure leads to dysfunction in the brain because the brain is not getting what it needs.' Join the discussionDo YOU think doctors should pay more attention to low blood pressure?What's your view?