Long-Term Use of Cardiovascular Drugs Linked to Lower Dementia Risk

Swedish study finds certain heart medications may reduce dementia risk by up to 25%, while others could increase it.

Researchers analyzed data from over 88,000 dementia patients and 880,000 controls in Sweden, focusing on individuals aged 70 and older.
Long-term use (five years or more) of antihypertensive drugs, cholesterol-lowering drugs, diuretics, and blood thinners was associated with a 4–25% reduced risk of dementia.
Combining multiple heart medications appeared to enhance their protective effects against dementia.
Antiplatelet drugs, often prescribed to prevent blood clots, were linked to an increased risk of dementia, potentially due to their association with microbleeds in the brain.
The study highlights the need for further research, including clinical trials, to understand the mechanisms behind these findings and explore preventive strategies for dementia.