The study was conducted by Karolinska Institutet in collaboration with Lund University, with funding from Karolinska Institutet and unrelated funding received by Wennberg from Janssen Pharmaceutica NV.

A recent study from Karolinska Institutet, published in 'Alzheimer's & Dementia' on November 18, 2024, reveals that long-term use of certain cardiovascular medications is associated with a reduced risk of developing dementia.

The research analyzed data from approximately 88,000 dementia patients aged 70 and older, diagnosed between 2011 and 2016, alongside 880,000 control subjects.

Using data from the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register, the study focused on antihypertensive drugs, cholesterol-lowering drugs, diuretics, and blood-thinning medications.

Findings indicate that long-term use of these cardiovascular drugs is linked to a 4 to 25 percent lower risk of dementia.

Interestingly, the combination of these medications appears to provide stronger protective effects against dementia compared to their individual use.

In contrast, the study also found that antiplatelet drugs, commonly prescribed for stroke prevention, may actually increase the risk of dementia due to potential brain microbleeds.

Wennberg highlighted the broader approach of this study compared to previous research, aiming to enhance understanding of preventive strategies for dementia.

Lead author Alexandra Wennberg emphasized the importance of preventive measures against dementia, as no cure currently exists.

The researchers advocate for further studies, including randomized controlled trials, to better understand the mechanisms behind these findings and the influence of diet and lifestyle.

The study's findings could inform future dementia treatment strategies, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach to managing cardiovascular health in older adults.

Overall, the research highlights the significance of considering the long-term cognitive effects of medications when prescribing treatments to older patients.