Antihypertensives in dementia: Good or bad for the brain?

J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. 2023 Oct;43(10):1796-1799. doi: 10.1177/0271678X231179421. Epub 2023 May 27.

Abstract

We discuss the current evidence for both benefit and harm of antihypertensive treatment in people with dementia. We conclude that there is a lack of evidence to support the claim that there is an increased risk of cerebral hypoperfusion with antihypertensive treatment in dementia, and that there is growing evidence which refutes this claim.

Keywords: Cerebral autoregulation; dementia; hypertension; orthostatic hypotension; side effects.

MeSH terms

  • Antihypertensive Agents / adverse effects
  • Blood Pressure / physiology
  • Brain / blood supply
  • Dementia* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Hypertension* / complications
  • Hypertension* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antihypertensive Agents