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Updated: Jul 8, 2025
Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
Published on: April 23, 2021
Association between use of antihypertensives and cognitive decline in the elderly-A retrospective observational study
Prabhpaul Dhami1, Kannayiram Alagiakrishnan2, Ambikaipakan Senthilselvan3
1Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Aim:
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the prodromal phase of dementia. The objective of this study was to determine whether specific antihypertensives were associated with conversion from MCI to dementia.
Methods:
In this retrospective study, a chart review was conducted on 335 older adults seen at the University of Alberta Hospital, Kaye Edmonton Seniors Clinic who were diagnosed with MCI. At the point of diagnosis, data was collected on demographic and lifestyle characteristics, measures of cognitive function, blood pressure measurements, use of antihypertensives, and other known or suspected risk factors for cognitive decline. Patients were followed for 5.5 years for dementia diagnoses. A logistic regression analysis was then conducted to determine the factors associated with conversion from MCI to dementia.
Results:
Mean age (± standard deviation) of the study participants was 76.5 ± 7.3 years. Patients who converted from MCI to dementia were significantly older and were more likely to have a family history of dementia. After controlling for potential confounders including age, sex, Mini Mental Status Exam scores and family history of dementia, patients who were on beta-blockers (BBs) had a 57% reduction in the odds of converting to dementia (OR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.81).
Conclusions:
In this study, BB use was protective against conversion from MCI to dementia. Further studies are required to confirm the findings of our study and to elucidate the effect of BBs on cognitive decline.
Insights
Beta-blocker use may protect against dementia. This study found beta-blockers were associated with a reduced risk of mild cognitive impairment progressing to dementia in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gerontology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a precursor to dementia, representing a critical stage for intervention.
- Understanding factors influencing MCI progression is vital for dementia prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between specific antihypertensive medications and the conversion of MCI to dementia.
- To identify potential protective effects of certain drug classes in the context of cognitive decline.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 335 older adults diagnosed with MCI at the University of Alberta Hospital.
- Data collection included demographics, cognitive function, blood pressure, antihypertensive use, and risk factors.
- Logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with MCI to dementia conversion over a 5.5-year follow-up period.
Main Results:
- Patients converting to dementia were older and had a higher likelihood of a family history of dementia.
- After adjusting for confounders, beta-blocker (BB) use was associated with a 57% reduction in the odds of converting from MCI to dementia (OR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.81).
Conclusions:
- Beta-blocker use demonstrated a protective effect against the progression from mild cognitive impairment to dementia.
- Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore the mechanisms underlying the effect of beta-blockers on cognitive decline.
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