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Diuretic use is associated with better learning and memory in older adults in the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory study
Author(s) -
Yasar Sevil,
Lin FuMei,
Fried Linda P.,
Kawas Claudia H.,
Sink Kaycee M.,
DeKosky Steven T.,
Carlson Michelle C.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.713
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1552-5279
pISSN - 1552-5260
DOI - 10.1016/j.jalz.2011.03.010
Subject(s) - ginkgo , diuretic , computer science , cognitive psychology , psychology , medicine , traditional medicine , pharmacology
Background To investigate the association between diuretics, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE‐I), angiotensin II receptor blockers (AT2RB), and cognitive function. 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. Results 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. Conclusion Results warrant further investigation into possible protective effects of potassium‐sparing diuretics and the role of potassium in mitigating cognitive decline.