OBJECTIVES : Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is associated with development of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and cognitive decline among AD patients. Antihypertensive use may reduce cognitive decline among these patients. This study describes healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) among patients with AD with and without antihypertensive use.

METHODS : Patients with AD and ≥ 2 years of continuous observation were selected from de-identified electronic medical records from the U.S. between 1/1/2014 and 11/30/2018, and from France between 7/1/2016 to 6/30/2019. All data sets were converted into the OMOP Common Data Model v5. Three cohorts of antihypertensive medication usage were evaluated: adherent over 1-year (baseline period), non-adherent, and no use with evidence of hypertension. All-cause and AD-related HCRU during 1-year of follow-up were measured and compared between the cohorts with and without matching of patient characteristics.

RESULTS : Nearly all patients across the countries and cohorts had ≥ 1 outpatient visit. Among patients with ≥ 1 visit, the mean number of visits in both countries was highest in adherent (US and France: 23.14 and 8.44 visits) compared to non-adherent (19.52 and 5.94 visits) patients and no use patients (22.51 and 7.17 visits). Patients with ≥ 1 laboratory test were also highest in adherent (66.15% and 39.48%) compared to non-adherent (52.62% and 37.76%) patients and no use patients (45.98% and 36.52%). Similar trends were seen for the count of laboratory tests for both countries. Results were refined with matching on baseline patient characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS : AD patients who are adherent to antihypertensives exhibit higher use of HCRU. Given the potential benefits of antihypertensives on reducing cognitive decline, regular interaction with healthcare providers may improve adherence and have implications for AD severity.