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A groundbreaking new study from Karolinska Institutet, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, suggests that commonly used cardiovascular drugs may be associated with a reduced risk of dementia in older adults. However, the study also highlights the potential risks of certain drugs, including aspirin, that may increase the likelihood of cognitive decline.
The research, which analyzed data from Swedish national registers, focused on over 88,000 people diagnosed with dementia between 2011 and 2016. In addition, 880,000 control participants were included in the study. The team, led by Mozhu Ding, an assistant professor at the Institute of Environmental Medicine, found that long-term use of cardiovascular medications, including antihypertensive drugs, cholesterol-lowering drugs, diuretics, and blood-thinning medications, was linked to a reduced risk of dementia. The study revealed that people who took these drugs for five years or more had a 4 to 25 percent lower risk of developing dementia.
“We can see a clear link between long-term use of these drugs and a reduced risk of dementia in older age,” said Ding. “This study is important as it offers new insights into how cardiovascular drugs may play a role in protecting brain health.”
Combinations of these drugs appeared to offer even stronger protective effects than when used individually. The study also provides a broader view of the relationship between cardiovascular medications and dementia, in contrast to previous research that focused on individual drugs and specific patient groups.
However, the study’s findings were not universally positive. The researchers also identified a potential risk factor: the long-term use of antiplatelet drugs, such as aspirin and clopidogrel (Plavix). These drugs, commonly prescribed to prevent strokes and blood clots, were linked to a higher risk of dementia. The team speculated that antiplatelet drugs might increase the likelihood of microbleeds in the brain, a known factor contributing to cognitive decline.
“While cardiovascular drugs show promise in preventing dementia, we must also consider the potential dangers of certain medications,” explained Alexandra Wennberg, an affiliated researcher at the Institute of Environmental Medicine and co-author of the study. “Antiplatelet drugs, in particular, warrant further scrutiny due to their association with brain microbleeds.”
The study adds to a growing body of research on dementia prevention. Currently, there are no cures for dementia, making it crucial to explore preventive measures that could reduce the burden of the disease on individuals and society.
The researchers emphasized the need for further studies, especially randomized controlled clinical trials, to understand the mechanisms behind the effects of cardiovascular drugs on dementia risk. They also plan to investigate the role of diet and lifestyle, alongside medication, in shaping dementia outcomes.
The research was funded by Karolinska Institutet and Lund University, with additional support from Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, although the company was not involved in the study’s design or findings.
For those concerned about their long-term health, this study underscores the complexity of cardiovascular drug use and its potential implications for brain health, urging both patients and healthcare providers to weigh the risks and benefits carefully.
Reference:
“Use of common cardiovascular disease drugs and risk of dementia: A case–control study in Swedish national register data” by Mozhu Ding, Alexandra M. Wennberg, Gunnar Engström, and Karin Modig, 18 November 2024, Alzheimer’s & Dementia.
DOI: 10.1002/alz.14389
