Blood Pressure and Statin Effects on Cognition: a Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This is a review of available data on the effects of blood pressure and statins on cognition.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent randomized clinical trials have shown that intensive control of systolic blood pressure in older adults prevented the development of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and the combined effects of MCI and probable dementia. Previous randomized clinical trials have suggested that statin use may prevent a decline in cognition; however, no randomized clinical trials have clearly shown evidence of statin's either positive or negative effect on cognition. Continued follow-up of SPRINT-MIND participants is crucial to evaluate the long-term effects of intensive systolic blood pressure control on the prevention of cognitive decline. A well-conducted and adequately powered randomized control trial is needed to evaluate the effect of statins on cognition, especially for primary prevention of the cognitive decline in aging.