The effects of anti-hypertensive medication on learning and memory

1. The aim of the study was to investigate whether there were differential effects of three different anti-hypertensive medications (cilazapril, atenolol, nifedipine) on cognitive function. 2. A sub-group of patients participating in a large clinical trial of these three drugs, randomly allocated between the three drug conditions, received cognitive assessment at two points before the commencement of treatment and then after 12 and 24 weeks of treatment. Seventy-six patients began treatment, and 55 completed the full course. 3. Tests of learning and memory were designed specially for the study, with a different but comparable version administered on each assessment occasion, in a fixed order. 4. No significant differences between drug groups were found in any index of learning or memory, at any testing occasion. The results were the same whether or not treatment non-completers were included in the analysis.