Johns Hopkins University researchers said their findings suggest treating hypertension or the irregular heartbeat might also slow memory loss in Alzheimer's victims.

The study examined 135 men and women over 65 years old who were newly diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. All had undergone annual memory tests for an average of three years.

Results showed 10 with high blood pressure (systolic pressure of more than 160) at the time of Alzheimer's disease diagnosis showed a rate of memory loss roughly 100 percent faster than those with normal blood pressure.

In addition, 10 patients with atrial fibrillation at the time of the diagnosis showed a rate of memory decline 75 percent faster than those with normal heartbeats.

Lead researcher Michelle Mielke said she is working on similar studies using larger sample sizes to better understand the potential role that vascular factors play before Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and during the course of the disease’s progression.

The research that also included scientists from Utah State University, Duke University, the University of Washington and Boston University is reported in the journal Neurology.