A new study has found that people who experience memory problems or declines in cognitive function have a higher risk of having a stroke.

Researchers in Sweden conducted three different mental tests on 930 men around the age of 70 without a history of stroke, and followed their progress for a period of 13 years.

They found that participants in the bottom 25 percent of performers on the test that measured the ability to execute and modify a plan were three times more likely to have a stroke or a brain infarction compared to those who scored among the top 25 percent of performers on the same test. The other two tests the men took did not seem to help predict probability of stroke.

"Our results support the idea that cognitive decline regardless of whether a person has dementia may predict risk of stroke," said study author Dr. Bernice Wiberg.

Wiberg adds that more research is needed to determine whether this inexpensive test could be used to identify individuals who are at a higher risk of having a stroke so that preventative measures could be taken.

According to the National Stroke Association, the best ways to prevent stroke include controlling hypertension, avoiding smoking, eating a low-fat diet and exercising.