Investigation of antihypertensive class, dementia, and cognitive decline
A meta-analysis
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Abstract
Objective High blood pressure is one of the main modifiable risk factors for dementia. However, there is conflicting evidence regarding the best antihypertensive class for optimizing cognition. Our objective was to determine whether any particular antihypertensive class was associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline or dementia using comprehensive meta-analysis including reanalysis of original participant data.
Methods To identify suitable studies, MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO and preexisting study consortia were searched from inception to December 2017. Authors of prospective longitudinal human studies or trials of antihypertensives were contacted for data sharing and collaboration. Outcome measures were incident dementia or incident cognitive decline (classified using the reliable change index method). Data were separated into mid and late-life (>65 years) and each antihypertensive class was compared to no treatment and to treatment with other antihypertensives. Meta-analysis was used to synthesize data.
Results Over 50,000 participants from 27 studies were included. Among those aged >65 years, with the exception of diuretics, we found no relationship by class with incident cognitive decline or dementia. Diuretic use was suggestive of benefit in some analyses but results were not consistent across follow-up time, comparator group, and outcome. Limited data precluded meaningful analyses in those ≤65 years of age.
Conclusion Our findings, drawn from the current evidence base, support clinical freedom in the selection of antihypertensive regimens to achieve blood pressure goals.
Clinical trials registration The review was registered with the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO), registration number CRD42016045454.
Glossary
- ACE-I=
- angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors;
- AHM=
- antihypertensive medication;
- ARB=
- angiotensin receptor blockers;
- BB=
- β-blockers;
- BP=
- blood pressure;
- CCB=
- calcium channel blockers;
- CI=
- confidence interval;
- DSM-III-R=
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 3rd edition, revised;
- DSM-IV=
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition;
- MMSE=
- Mini-Mental State Examination;
- OR=
- odds ratio;
- RCI=
- reliable change index;
- RCT=
- randomized controlled trial;
- SBP=
- systolic blood pressure
Footnotes
Go to Neurology.org/N for full disclosures. Funding information and disclosures deemed relevant by the authors, if any, are provided at the end of the article.
CME Course: NPub.org/cmelist
- Received November 26, 2018.
- Accepted in final form July 15, 2019.
- © 2019 American Academy of Neurology
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Letters: Rapid online correspondence
- Reader response: Investigation of antihypertensive class, dementia, and cognitive decline: A meta-analysis
- Tomoyuki Kawada, Professor, Nippon Medical School
Submitted June 17, 2020 - Reader response: An investigation of antihypertensive class, dementia, and cognitive decline: A meta-analysis
- Simona Lattanzi, MD, PhD, Marche Polytechnic University
- Mauro Silvestrini, MD, Marche Polytechnic University
Submitted December 30, 2019
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