Key result
Antihypertensives linked to lower cognitive impairment and dementia risk without clear superiority of any class.
Why the study?
Hypertension is a known risk factor for vascular dementia, but whether treating hypertension and using antihypertensive medications prevents cognitive impairment remains to be fully clarified.
Do antihypertensive medications prevent cognitive impairment in patients with hypertension?
Do antihypertensive medications prevent cognitive impairment in patients with hypertension?
This literature review highlights a potential association between hypertension treatment and the prevention of cognitive impairment, though no specific antihypertensive class appears superior.
Supports antihypertensives for possible cognitive protection in hypertension; leaves open class effects and requires RCTs before practice change.
Vascular dementia (VD) is one of the leading causes of dementia, and hypertension is a known risk factor for VD. Hypertension treatment guidelines have previously discussed an optimal blood pressure goal to prevent further cardiovascular complications with long-term management. The treatment of hypertension can prevent stroke, kidney failure, and perhaps prevent cognitive decline as well. We reviewed studies that demonstrated an association between hypertension and cognitive impairment (CI). The role of antihypertensive medications (AHM) in preventing CI was also investigated. This topic is worth exploring as dementia has high healthcare costs and will become prominent as the population in the United States ages. We used the medical subject heading (MeSH) search strategy on Pubmed and reviewed 22 articles. The studies showed that there might be a link between hypertension, AHM, and CI. The studies did not suggest a superiority of any specific AHM class to prevent CI. Further research on optimal hypertension treatment goals to prevent cognitive impairment and dementia is recommended.
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Mishra et al. (2020) conducted a review in Hypertension and Cognitive Impairment. Antihypertensive medications vs. No treatment or standard blood pressure control was evaluated. Antihypertensive medications may be associated with a reduced risk of cognitive impairment and dementia, though current evidence does not establish the superiority of any specific medication class.
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