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What cardiovascular medications can help reduce the risk of dementia?
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
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Dementia prevention is an important area of research as experts seek to understand what people can do to reduce their risk of developing the condition. A recent study found that taking certain cardiovascular medications, such as blood pressure and lipid-lowering drugs, for more than five years was associated with a reduction in dementia diagnoses. However, use of antiplatelet drugs was associated with an increase in dementia cases.
Key findings of the study
The study, published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia, analyzed data from more than 88,000 people with dementia and 880,000 controls without dementia. Key findings:
Drugs that reduce the risk of dementia when taken long-term (5 years or more):
- Antihypertensive drugs (blood pressure lowering drugs);
- Lipid-lowering drugs;
- Diuretics (water pills);
- Oral anticoagulants (prevent blood clots).
Combinations of drugs:
- Combinations of antihypertensive agents with diuretics, lipid-lowering drugs, or anticoagulants also reduced the risk of dementia.
Antiplatelet agents:
- The use of antiplatelet drugs that prevent blood clots has been associated with an increased risk of dementia over any duration of use.
Short-term use of drugs (1–4 years):
- Use of all classes of cardiovascular drugs for 1–4 years was associated with an increased risk of dementia.
Features of the study
- Methodology: National registers in Sweden were used to analyse medical history, prescription data and participant demographics.
- Observation groups: Participants were divided into groups depending on the duration of drug intake: less than 1 year, 1–4 years, 5–9 years, and 10 years or more.
- Risk factors: Education levels, socioeconomic status, presence of diabetes and other cardiovascular diseases were taken into account.
Limitations of the study
- Geographical specificity: Data were collected in Sweden, so the results may not apply to other populations.
- Observational nature: The study does not prove cause and effect, as other factors such as lifestyle and diet may be involved.
- Diagnosis of dementia: Cases may be missed, particularly due to lack of primary care data.
- Assumptions: The authors assumed that participants actually took the prescribed medications.
Experts' opinion
- Reducing risk of dementia: Dr Patrick Key, a cardiologist, said the study highlights the importance of blood pressure control to prevent both cardiovascular and cognitive complications.
- Antiplatelet drug risk: The use of antiplatelet drugs requires further study as they may have a negative impact on cognitive function.
Prospects for future research
Dr Mozu Ding from the Karolinska Institutet stressed the need for further study of the direct effects of cardiovascular drugs on enzymes associated with Alzheimer's disease. This could open up new avenues for the treatment of dementia.
Conclusions
The study adds new evidence to the impact of cardiovascular drugs on dementia risk, highlighting:
- The benefits of long-term use of antihypertensive and lipid-lowering drugs.
- The need to take into account the potential negative effects of antiplatelet agents.
These findings may help develop more precise strategies for preventing and treating dementia in the future.