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Diuretic use is associated with better learning and memory in older adults in the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory study
Alzheimer's & Dementia, 05/16/2012
Clinical Article
Yasar S et al. – Results warrant further investigation into possible protective effects of potassium–sparing diuretics and the role of potassium in mitigating cognitive decline.
Methods- This post hoc analysis of the randomized controlled Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory Study trial focuses on 3069 nondemented community–dwelling participants aged >75 years.
- At baseline visit, detailed information about medication use was collected and five cognitive domains were assessed.
- Multivariate linear regression analyses were used to assess cross–sectional associations between medication use and cognitive function.
- In all, 36% of participants reported history of hypertension and 53% reported antihypertensive medication use, with 17% reporting diuretic, 11% ACE–I, and 2% AT2RB use.
- Potassium–sparing diuretic use (N = 192) was associated with better verbal learning and memory measured by California Verbal Learning Test as compared with no antihypertensive medication users (β = 0.068, P = .01; β = 0.094, P < .001) and other antihypertensive medication users (β= 0.080, P = .03; β = 0.153, P < .001). Use of ACE–I or AT2RB was not associated with better cognitive function.