Effects of Cardiovascular Medications on Rate of Functional Decline in Alzheimer Disease

Authors

Paul B. Rosenberg
M. M. Mielke
JoAnn T. Tschanz, Utah State UniversityFollow
L. Cook, Utah State University
Chris D. Corcoran, Utah State UniversityFollow
K. M. Hayden
Maria C. Norton, Utah State UniversityFollow
P. V. Rabins
R. C. Green
K. A. Welsh-Bohmer
J. C. S. Breitner
Ronald G. Munger, Utah State UniversityFollow
C. G. Lyketsos

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry

Volume

16

Issue

11

Publication Date

11-2008

First Page

883

Last Page

892

Abstract

Background: Evidence suggests that cardiovascular medications, including statins and antihypertensive medications, may delay cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer dementia (AD). We examined the association of cardiovascular medication use and rate of functional decline in a population-based cohort of individuals with incident AD.

Methods: In the Dementia Progression Study of the Cache County Study on Memory, Health, and Aging, 216 individuals with incident AD were identified and followed longitudinally with in-home visits for a mean of 3.0 years and 2.1 follow-up visits. The Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) was completed at each follow-up. Medication use was inventoried during in-home visits. Generalized least-squares random-effects regression was performed with CDR Sum of Boxes (CDR-Sum) as the outcome and cardiovascular medication use as the major predictors.

Results: CDR-Sum increased an average of 1.69 points annually, indicating a steady decline in functioning. After adjustment for demographic variables and the baseline presence of cardiovascular conditions, use of statins (p = 0.03) and beta-blockers (p = 0.04) was associated with a slower annual rate of increase in CDR-Sum (slower rate of functional decline) of 0.75 and 0.68 points respectively, while diuretic use was associated with a faster rate of increase in CDR-Sum (p = 0.01; 0.96 points annually). Use of calcium-channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, digoxin, or nitrates did not affect the rate of functional decline.

Conclusions: In this population-based study of individuals with incident AD, use of statins and beta-blockers was associated with delay of functional decline. Further studies are needed to confirm these results and to determine whether treatment with these medications may help delay AD progression.

Recommended Citation

Rosenberg, PB, Mielke MM, Tschanz J, Cook L, Corcoran C, Hayden KM, Norton M, Rabins PV, Green RC, Welsh-Bohmer KA, Breitner JCS, Munger R, Lyketsos CG. Effects of cardiovascular medications on rate of functional decline in Alzheimer’s disease. Am J Geriatric Psychiatry 2008:16:883-92.