OBJECTIVES: Repurposing medications, such as antihypertensives, for dementia prevention is an active area of inquiry. Antihypertensive sub-classes may have differential effects on brain health beyond blood pressure lowering alone. Ongoing clinical trials aim to evaluate the effectiveness of approved antihypertensives in preventing dementia, including patients with and without hypertension. However, little is known about patients’ concerns regarding this strategy–especially in those without hypertension. This study examined the association between having concerns about using an antihypertensive as a dementia prevention strategy according to current use of an antihypertensive.

METHODS: A self-administered, Web-based survey was conducted among 1,661 patients in a large health system in January 2018. Participants reported whether they were currently taking a medication for blood pressure (dichotomous, yes/no), and what types of concerns they have about taking antihypertensives to prevent dementia (dichotomous, yes/no for each of 7 concerns). Associations between the two variables were assessed via logistic regression, and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated.

RESULTS: Most respondents were female (77%), 51-70 years of age (64%), and white (89%), with 30% (N=505) reporting current antihypertensive use. Overall, compared to those not currently using an antihypertensive, current users were significantly more likely to report no concerns (OR = 3.7; 95% CI = 2.5 – 5.6). Specifically, compared to those not currently using an antihypertensive, current users were significantly less likely to report the five following concerns: side effects from the medication, hassle to take medication every day, lack of evidence showing that it will reduce my risk, do not want to use a medication, and my blood pressure is already normal or low.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients not currently using an antihypertensive are more likely to have concerns about the idea of using an antihypertensive as a dementia prevention strategy. Understanding patients’ perspectives will help enhance patients’ participation in this emerging prevention strategy.