AD/PD 2021 | The association between blood pressure and dementia risk

Michelle Canavan, MB, BCH, BAO, PhD, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland, describes a recent systematic review and meta-analysis performed to evaluate the association of blood pressure lowering with the incidence of dementia and cognitive impairment. Based on 12 randomized clinical studies that met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final meta-analysis, the use of antihypertensive medications significantly reduced the risk of dementia or cognitive impairments. These results highlight the importance of improved screening for and management of hypertension and the benefit this could confer on a population level. This interview took place during the AD/PD™ 2021 conference.