Hypertension and vascular dementia in the elderly: the potential role of anti-hypertensive agents

A Coca - Current medical research and opinion, 2013 - Taylor & Francis
A Coca
Current medical research and opinion, 2013Taylor & Francis
Abstract Background: Vascular dementia (VaD)–a severe form of vascular cognitive
impairment–and cognitive decline are associated with hypertension and therefore it seems
logical to consider that reducing BP with anti-hypertensive therapy may protect against the
development/onset of cognitive function impairment or dementia. Scope: This narrative, non-
systematic review discusses the available evidence on the potential correlation between the
use of anti-hypertensive agents and the risk of VaD and cognitive decline. Methods …
Background
Vascular dementia (VaD) – a severe form of vascular cognitive impairment – and cognitive decline are associated with hypertension and therefore it seems logical to consider that reducing BP with anti-hypertensive therapy may protect against the development/onset of cognitive function impairment or dementia.
Scope
This narrative, non-systematic review discusses the available evidence on the potential correlation between the use of anti-hypertensive agents and the risk of VaD and cognitive decline.
Methods
MEDLINE was searched for inclusion of relevant studies. No limitations in time were considered.
Results
A consensus on the potential effects of anti-hypertensive treatment in the reduction of VaD and associated cognitive decline has not been reached. A protective effect of anti-hypertensive agents has been observed in a number of studies although it is still unclear whether different classes of anti-hypertensive agents have a different effect on the development of VaD.
Conclusions
The protective effect of anti-hypertensive agents appears to depend on the specific drug used – positive effects have been observed with calcium channel blockers (CCBs), such as lercanidipine and nitrendipine, the combination perindopril–indapamide and telmisartan.
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