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January 05, 2021; 96 (1) ArticleOpen Access

Association of Angiotensin II–Stimulating Antihypertensive Use and Dementia Risk

Post Hoc Analysis of the PreDIVA Trial

Jan Willem van Dalen, Zachary A. Marcum, Shelly L. Gray, Douglas Barthold, Eric P. Moll van Charante, Willem A. van Gool, Paul K. Crane, Eric B. Larson, Edo Richard
First published November 5, 2020, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000010996
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Abstract

Objective To assess whether angiotensin II–stimulating antihypertensives (thiazides, dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, and angiotensin I receptor blockers) convey a lower risk of incident dementia compared to angiotensin II–inhibiting antihypertensives (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, β-blockers, and nondihydropyridine calcium channel blockers), in accordance with the “angiotensin hypothesis.”

Methods We performed Cox regression analyses of incident dementia (or mortality as competing risk) during 6–8 years of follow-up in a population sample of 1,909 community-dwelling individuals (54% women) without dementia, aged 70–78 (mean 74.5 ± 2.5) years.

Results After a median of 6.7 years of follow-up, dementia status was available for 1,870 (98%) and mortality for 1,904 (>99%) participants. Dementia incidence was 5.6% (27/480) in angiotensin II–stimulating, 8.2% (59/721) in angiotensin II–inhibiting, and 6.9% (46/669) in both antihypertensive type users. Adjusted for dementia risk factors including blood pressure and medical history, angiotensin II–stimulating antihypertensive users had a 45% lower incident dementia rate (hazard ratio [HR], 0.55; 95% CI, 0.34–0.89) without excess mortality (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.64–1.16), and individuals using both types had a nonsignificant 20% lower dementia rate (HR, 0.80; 95% CI,0.53–1.20) without excess mortality (HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.76–1.24), compared to angiotensin II–inhibiting antihypertensive users. Results were consistent for subgroups based on diabetes and stroke history, but may be specific for individuals without a history of cardiovascular disease.

Conclusions Users of angiotensin II–stimulating antihypertensives had lower dementia rates compared to angiotensin II–inhibiting antihypertensive users, supporting the angiotensin hypothesis. Confounding by indication must be examined further, although subanalyses suggest this did not influence results. If replicated, dementia prevention could become a compelling indication for older individuals receiving antihypertensive treatment.

Glossary

Aβ=
β-amyloid;
ACE=
angiotensin-converting enzyme;
ACEI=
angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor;
ARB=
angiotensin receptor blocker;
ARR=
absolute risk reduction;
AT=
angiotensin type;
BB=
β-blocker;
BMI=
body mass index;
BP=
blood pressure;
CCB=
calcium channel blocker;
CI=
confidence interval;
CVD=
cardiovascular disease;
DiCCB=
dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker;
DM=
diabetes mellitus;
DSM-IV=
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition;
HR=
hazard ratio;
MMSE=
Mini-Mental State Examination;
PreDIVA=
Prevention of Dementia by Intensive Vascular Care;
RAS=
renin–angiotensin system;
RCT=
randomized controlled trial

Midlife hypertension is associated with an increased risk of incident dementia.1,2 Studies on blood pressure (BP) lowering in older people, however, show mixed effects on dementia risk.1,3,–,5 Accumulating evidence suggests that some antihypertensive drug subclasses may reduce incident dementia beyond their effect on BP.6 Subclasses most consistently associated with reduced dementia risk compared to other antihypertensives are angiotensin receptor blockers, certain calcium channel blockers, and diuretics.6,–,14

The mechanisms underlying these differential effects are unclear.6,–,12,15 They may be related to the renin–angiotensin system (RAS; figure 1).16,17 In the RAS, angiotensin II lowers BP, mainly via activity at angiotensin type 1 (AT1) receptors.18,–,20 It also activates AT2 receptors and AT4 receptors,18,–,20 which have a number of associated effects (vasodilation, apoptosis).18,–,20 Hypothetically, the RAS also helps maintain brain function. Angiotensin II and IV seem to protect against ischemia, especially through AT2,16,21,22 and preserve memory through AT4.23,24 Furthermore, angiotensin- converting enzyme mediates β-amyloid (Aβ) degradation in the brain.16,25 Based on these effects, drugs that increase angiotensin II–mediated activity at the AT2 and AT4 receptors (angiotensin II–stimulating) may provide brain protection compared to those decreasing activity at these receptors (angiotensin II–inhibiting). This angiotensin hypothesis (figure 1) is supported by both experimental and human studies.16 However, little empirical evidence exists evaluating the hypothesis in a single, well-delineated population.

Figure 1
Figure 1 Interaction of Different Antihypertensive Types With the Renin–Angiotensin System

Thiazides and dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (DiCCBs) increase renin. β–blockers (BB) reduce β1-mediated renin production. Long-acting forms of verapamil and diltiazem (non-DiCCBs) either do not affect or reduce renin. Renin generates angiotensin I (Ang-I), which is converted into angiotensin II (Ang-II) by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which exerts physiologic effects by binding to AT1 or AT2 or may be further metabolized into Ang-IV, which binds to AT4. ACE inhibitors (ACEI) directly inhibit ACE activity, thereby inhibiting angiotensin II production. Angiotensin receptor 1 blockers (ARBs) inhibit angiotensin II activity directly at the AT1 receptor, but leave angiotensin II production intact. Angiotensin hypothesis: ACE reportedly degrades β-amyloid (Aβ), a major component of the cerebral neuritic plaques associated with Alzheimer disease. ACEIs may inhibit this degradation, thus facilitating Aβ plaques accumulation. ARBs selectively inhibit Ang-II at angiotensin receptor 1 (AT1) without inhibiting ACE, allowing ACE to degrade Aβ. Moreover, Ang-II and Ang-IV activity have been associated with protection from ischemia via activity at AT2 and possibly AT4. In addition, Ang-II and Ang-IV activity have been associated with direct effects on memory. Taken together, antihypertensives that increase activity at AT2 and AT4 (Ang-II–stimulating antihypertensives) are hypothesized to have greater brain protective effects than those that decrease activity at the same receptors (Ang-II–inhibiting antihypertensives). Blue text: Ang-II–stimulating antihypertensives; red text: Ang-II–inhibiting antihypertensives; light blue boxes: angiotensin peptides; green circles: angiotensin receptors.

We investigated whether, in line with the angiotensin hypothesis, angiotensin II–stimulating antihypertensive use conveyed a lower risk of incident dementia compared to angiotensin II–inhibiting antihypertensive use, independently of BP levels, in a large cohort of community-dwelling older people.

Methods

Participants and Study Design

Data were derived from the Prevention of Dementia by Intensive Vascular Care (PreDIVA) trial (registration: ISRCTN29711771).26 This randomized controlled trial (RCT) tested the efficacy of 4-monthly visits to a practice nurse for cardiovascular risk management, compared to usual care by the general practitioner, on the prevention of dementia.26 Community-dwelling individuals aged 70–78 years registered with a participating general practice (>98% of the Dutch population is registered) were invited to participate (figure e-1, available from Dryad; doi.org/10.5061/dryad.hdr7sqvfd). Exclusion criteria were dementia and disorders likely to hinder long-term follow-up (e.g., terminal illness, alcoholism). Recruitment was from June 7, 2006, until March 12, 2009. Participants were assessed at baseline and biennial follow-up assessments. At these visits, data were collected on medical history, lifestyle, and medication, using patients' self-report cross-checked with electronic health records. A full description per variable is given in Methods e-1 (available from Dryad; doi.org/10.5061/dryad.hdr7sqvfd). Measurements included cardiovascular risk factors, cognitive status (Mini-Mental State Examination and Visual Association Test), depression, and disability. Blood laboratory measures and APOE ε4 genotype were also obtained. The final assessment took place March 4, 2015, with follow-up ranging 6–8 years. Because the PreDIVA intervention did not dictate or influence the antihypertensive classes prescribed, the current study analyzed the trial treatment arms as one single observational cohort. Only antihypertensive users were included because nonusers are uninformative when investigating differential antihypertensive subclass effects.

Standard Protocol Approvals, Registrations, and Patient Consents

The study was approved by the medical ethics committee of the Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Participants gave written informed consent before their baseline visit.

Antihypertensive Use

Figure 1 depicts the different effects of antihypertensive subclasses on angiotensin II.18 Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) directly inhibit angiotensin II production.18 Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) block AT1 receptors, increasing AT2 and AT4 activation and raising angiotensin II levels by stimulating renin production.18 Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (DiCCBs) and diuretics (thiazide, K+-sparing, and loop) also increase angiotensin II by stimulating renin release.18,27,28 Other antihypertensives mostly decrease angiotensin II via renin. β-Blockers (BBs) reduce β1-mediated renin production.18 Long-acting forms of verapamil and diltiazem (non-DiCCBs) are either neutral or decrease renin by reducing sympathetic tone.29 Renin antagonists directly inhibit renin activity.18

Antihypertensive use was based on prescription records cross-checked with participants during the baseline assessment. Individuals using ARBs, DiCCBs, or thiazide(-like) diuretics were categorized as angiotensin II–stimulating antihypertensive users. Individuals using non-DiCCBs, BBs, and ACEIs were categorized as angiotensin II–inhibiting antihypertensive users. Participants were not categorized in either group based on K-sparing or loop diuretic use since these medications are not prescribed as first-choice medication for hypertension but generally as adjunct medication for specific comorbidity.30 Effects of excluding these antihypertensive types were tested in a sensitivity analysis.

Antihypertensives were subcategorized according to Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical codes: angiotensin II–stimulating: ARBs: C09CA, C09DA, C09DB, C09DX01, C09DX03; DiCCBs: C08CA, C08GA; thiazide diuretics: C03A, C03EA01, C03EA02, C03EA03, C03EA04, C03EA05, C03EA07, C03EA13, C03EA14; thiazide-like diuretics: C03B, C03EA6, C03EA12; angiotensin II–inhibiting: ACEIs: C09AA, C09BA, C09BB, C09BX01, C09BX02; BBs: C07A, C07B, C07C, C07D, C09BX02; non-DiCCBs: C08CX, C08D, C08E; other: loop diuretics: C03C, C03EB; K-sparing diuretics: C03D, C03E, C03BB, C03CB.

Dementia

The dementia diagnostic process has been described in detail previously,26 and is comprehensively delineated in Methods e-2 (doi.org/10.5061/dryad.hdr7sqvfd). Dementia was defined as a clinical diagnosis of all-cause dementia according to DSM-IV criteria, confirmed by 2 members of an independent outcome adjudication committee based on all available clinical information. All individuals with a clinical dementia diagnosis during the course of the study were adjudicated. In addition, individuals who had a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score <24 points during the course of the study or >2 points decline compared to baseline were referred to their general practitioner for clinical evaluation, and adjudicated by the outcome committee. Dementia diagnoses were reevaluated after 1 year of additional follow-up to avoid false-positive diagnoses. For participants who dropped out of the study, the dementia status was retrieved by a dedicated research nurse from electronic health records or contact with the general practitioner at the end of the study, and all written clinical information was presented to the adjudication committee.

Statistical Analyses

Characteristics of individuals using angiotensin II–stimulating, angiotensin II–inhibiting, and both antihypertensive types in combination (angiotensin-mixed) were compared using one-way analysis of variance and Fisher exact tests. Cox regression analyses were performed using age at diagnosis as time scale and age at baseline as time of entry. Dementia was the main outcome and angiotensin status (all categories together in one model with angiotensin II–inhibiting as reference category) was the independent variable. In these types of longitudinal analyses, competing risk of death is a major potential source of bias.31 To assess the influence of the competing risk of death, we used the cause-specific hazard approach, repeating all analyses with mortality and dementia/mortality combined as outcomes.31 Individuals with missing data were left out per model (i.e., pairwise). Model 1 was unadjusted. Model 2 adjusted for baseline systolic BP and history of diabetes mellitus (DM), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and stroke (including TIA) as comorbidity potentially influencing both the antihypertensive subclass prescribed and the risk of poor outcome, and education (years, continuous).1,30 Model 3 additionally adjusted for other dementia risk factors including body mass index (BMI), cholesterol-lowering medication use (as proxy for dyslipidemia), estimated glomerular filtration rate,1 and trial intervention allocation to ensure the trial intervention did not influence results.26 The proportional hazards assumption for the Cox regression analyses was tested by visual assessment of the plotted Schoenfeld residuals. To further assess whether associations were influenced by hypertension severity and disease history (e.g., ACEI with diabetes; BB after myocardial infarction),30 we performed subgroup analyses stratified by history of DM, stroke, CVD, and tertiles of systolic BP. Significance for stratification according to these subgroups (p interaction) was tested using likelihood ratio tests comparing models with and without interaction terms for each separate subgroup variable.

In a sensitivity analysis, we included loop- and K-sparing diuretics as angiotensin II–stimulating antihypertensives, since under the angiotensin hypothesis they would most likely stimulate renin release.18,28 In explorative analyses, we repeated the main analyses for each individual antihypertensive class independently in a separate model adjusted for concomitant use of any other antihypertensive (yes/no) to assess whether these associations concur with expectations based on the angiotensin hypothesis. To compare categorization into angiotensin II–stimulating and angiotensin II–inhibiting subtypes to any random other dichotomization into antihypertensive group, we plotted hazard ratios (HRs) for each possible combination of antihypertensive subclasses adjusted using model 3. To further examine how competing risk of death would influence dementia incidence, we performed a sensitivity analysis using the Fine-Gray competing risks model. To assess whether results would be influenced by adjusting for BP measures other than systolic BP, we performed separate sensitivity analyses adjusting for diastolic BP, mean arterial pressure, and pulse pressure. To assess whether attainment of BP control was of influence, we included a sensitivity analysis adjusted for BP control at the first visit after baseline, operationalized as a systolic BP ≤140 mm Hg and a diastolic BP ≤90 mm Hg. Finally, to assess the potential for residual confounding fully explaining results, we calculated E-values for the point estimates in the fully adjusted analyses, using the R package E-values.32,33 The E-value answers the question how strong would the unmeasured confounding would have to be to negate the observed results.32 It quantifies the minimum strength of association on the HR scale that an unmeasured confounder must have with both the treatment and outcome, while simultaneously considering the measured covariates, to negate the observed treatment–outcome association.32

Data Availability

All data used for this study are available from the authors upon reasonable request.

Results

The flow chart (figure 2) lists individuals included in and excluded from the analyses. Of the 3,526 PreDIVA participants, 1,909 (54%) used angiotensin II–stimulating or angiotensin II–inhibiting antihypertensives at baseline and were thus included. After 6–8 years of follow-up (median 6.7 years, interquartile range 5.8–7.0), dementia outcome was available for 98% (1,870/1,909) and mortality for >99% (1,904/1,909) of participants. In total, 132 (7%) individuals developed dementia and 329 (17%) died without dementia. General characteristics of individuals using angiotensin II–stimulating, angiotensin II–inhibiting, and combined angiotensin II–stimulating and negative antihypertensives (angiotensin-mixed) are listed in table 1.

Figure 2
Figure 2 Study Flow Chart

*Only individuals using antihypertensive drug (AHD) types from thiazide(-like), angiotensin 1 receptor blocker, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, calcium channel blocker, and β-blocker classes were included because loop and K-sparing diuretics are generally not prescribed as stand-alone treatments for hypertension. There were no individuals using renin antagonists.

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Table 1

Population Characteristics

Mean age at baseline was 74.5 (±2.5) years. Compared to angiotensin II–inhibiting and angiotensin-mixed groups, respectively, the angiotensin II–stimulating group had the highest proportion of women (65 vs 46 and 53%), highest mean diastolic BP (82.4 vs 81.4 and 80.7 mm Hg), and highest serum low-density lipoprotein (3.1 vs 2.8 and 2.8 mmol/L). The angiotensin II–stimulating group had the lowest proportions with DM (20 vs 24 and 34%), history of CVD (22 vs 52 and 47%), and cholesterol-lowering medication (34 vs 52 and 54%). The angiotensin II–inhibiting group had the lowest mean systolic BP (155.0 vs 156.6 and 157.9 mm Hg) and BMI (27.8 vs 28.6 and 28.7 kg/m2) compared to angiotensin II–stimulating and angiotensin-mixed groups, respectively.

Regarding antihypertensive use, angiotensin II–stimulating antihypertensive users less often used DiCCBs (30 vs 40%) and more often ARBs (47 vs 25%) compared to the angiotensin-mixed group. Angiotensin II–inhibiting users more often used non-DiCCBs (12% vs 5%) and less often BBs (64% vs 75%) compared to the angiotensin-mixed group. Angiotensin II–inhibiting antihypertensive users most often received additional treatment with loop diuretics (10.1% vs angiotensin II–stimulating: 2.4% and angiotensin-mixed: 7.2%) and least often K-sparing diuretics (4.5% vs angiotensin II–stimulating: 13.4% and angiotensin-mixed: 13.2%).

Dementia occurred in 5.6% (27/480) of the angiotensin II–stimulating group, vs 6.9% (46/669) of the angiotensin-mixed and 8.2% (59/721) of the angiotensin II–inhibiting group. Results for the Cox regression analyses of incident dementia, mortality, and dementia/mortality for individuals using angiotensin II–stimulating and angiotensin-mixed antihypertensives compared to those using angiotensin II–inhibiting antihypertensives only are shown in table 2. Results for model 2 for the primary analyses are presented in the online supplement (tables e-1a through 1c), available from Dryad (doi.org/10.5061/dryad.hdr7sqvfd). The angiotensin II–stimulating group had a nonsignificant 33% lower risk of dementia in model 1 (HR 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.42–1.06; p = 0.08). Adjusting for confounders, the angiotensin II–stimulating group had an approximately 40% lower risk of incident dementia in model 2 (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.36–0.93) and model 3 (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.35–0.93). This would correspond to an approximate absolute risk reduction (ARR) of 3.6% (95% CI 0.6–5.4). In all models, individuals in the angiotensin-mixed category had an approximately 20% lower dementia risk, which was not statistically significant (model 3 HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.51–1.15; ARR 1.9%, 95% CI −1.2 to 4.0). There was no increased risk of mortality for individuals in the angiotensin II–stimulating group (model 3 HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.64–1.16; ARR 2.9%, 95%CI −3.3 to 7.5) and angiotensin-mixed group (model 3 HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.75–1.23; ARR 0.8%, 95% CI −4.8 to 5.2) compared to individuals using angiotensin II–inhibiting antihypertensives only. Individuals in the angiotensin II–stimulating group had an estimated nonsignificant 20% lower risk of dementia/mortality combined (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.60–1.02; ARR 6.0%, 95% CI −0.5 to 11.0) compared to the angiotensin II–inhibiting group.

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Table 2

Hazard Ratios (HRs) for Individuals Using Angiotensin II–Stimulating (Ang+) or Both Ang+ and Angiotensin II–Inhibiting (Ang−) Antihypertensives Compared With Those Using Ang− Antihypertensives Only

Results were consistent across subgroups stratified by history of DM, stroke, and systolic BP (table 3). There was an interaction with history of CVD in model 3 for both angiotensin II–stimulating (p = 0.08) and angiotensin-mixed (p = 0.04) groups. These suggested that the lower dementia risk for angiotensin II–stimulating vs angiotensin II–inhibiting antihypertensives was particularly evident in individuals without CVD (HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.28–0.90 vs HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.46–2.53). In contrast, for the angiotensin-mixed group, the HR was neutral in individuals without CVD (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.58–1.58) and markedly lower in those with CVD (HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.26–1.14), though not significant. Results of the competing risk analyses with mortality (table e-2, doi.org/10.5061/dryad.hdr7sqvfd) and dementia/mortality combined (table e-3, doi.org/10.5061/dryad.hdr7sqvfd) suggested that these interactions could not be explained by excess risks of mortality in subgroups based on CVD.

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Table 3

Subgroup Analyses With Dementia as Outcome

Results from sensitivity analyses including the nonthiazide diuretics in the angiotensin II–stimulating category were largely consistent for angiotensin II–stimulating antihypertensives (table e-4, doi.org/10.5061/dryad.hdr7sqvfd), with an approximately 40% lower risk of dementia (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.36–0.95) and no increased risk of mortality (HR 0.94, 95% CI 0.70–1.27). Findings adjusting dementia outcome for the competing risk of death using the Fine-Gray model also corresponded to our main results (table e-5, doi.org/10.5061/dryad.hdr7sqvfd). The cumulative incidence plots corresponding to these analyses are depicted in figure e-1 (doi.org/10.5061/dryad.hdr7sqvfd). Sensitivity analysis adjusted for BP control at visit 2 gave similar HRs to the main analyses, but with wider CIs due to the lower number of participants for whom information was available (table e-6, doi.org/10.5061/dryad.hdr7sqvfd). Sensitivity analyses adjusting for diastolic BP, mean arterial BP, or pulse pressure instead of systolic BP gave similar results (table e-7, doi.org/10.5061/dryad.hdr7sqvfd). E-values for the point estimates in model 3 ranged from 1.25 to 2.91 (table e-8, doi.org/10.5061/dryad.hdr7sqvfd). For the HR of 0.57 (95% CI 0.35–0.93) comparing angiotensin II–stimulating to angiotensin II–inhibiting antihypertensives with dementia as outcome, the HR E-value was 2.91 and the 95% CI E-value 1.36. For the HR of 0.77 (95% CI 0.51–1.15) comparing angiotensin II–stimulating to angiotensin II–inhibiting antihypertensives with dementia/mortality as outcome, the HR E-value was 1.92 and 95% CI E-value 1.00.

Exploratory analyses comparing individual antihypertensive subclasses showed no statistically significant associations with dementia risk (table 4). Looking at the point estimates, thiazide, DiCCBs, ARBs, non-DiCCBs, ACEIs, and loop diuretics all had HRs for dementia ≤1 but only angiotensin II–stimulating (thiazides, DiCCBs, and ARBs) also had an HR ≤1 for mortality and dementia/mortality combined. To compare the predefined categorization of antihypertensive subclasses according to the angiotensin hypothesis to any random combination of antihypertensive subclasses, figure 3 depicts the HR and 95% CIs for each possible combination of antihypertensive subclasses. From these, the predefined angiotensin II–stimulating antihypertensive classification (i.e., thiazides, DiCCBs, and ARBs) was among those observed to convey the lowest risk of dementia and dementia/mortality combined.

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Table 4

Hazard Ratios (HRs) for Individual Antihypertensive Types, Adjusted for Other Antihypertensive Drug (AHD) Use

Figure 3
Figure 3 Hazard Ratio (HR) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI) of Dementia, Mortality, and Dementia/Mortality as Combined Outcome for Each Possible Dichotomous Categorization of Antihypertensive Classes in the Study

Depicted are the HR and 95% CI (y-axis) for each individual possible random combination of antihypertensive subclasses (thiazides, dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers [DiCCBs], non-DiCCBs, angiotensin receptor 1 blockers [ARBs], β-blockers [BBs], angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors [ACE], K-sparing and loop diuretics), in order of HR for the event from low to high on the x-axis. Each individual blue dot represents a possible combination. Only the HRs associated with the angiotensin II–stimulating medication (Ang+) combination hypothesized by this study (in red) and the individual antihypertensive classes on their own (gray) are marked. Within parentheses are the numbers of events followed by the number of individuals in the particular category at baseline. Note that the combined outcome of dementia/mortality is most useful for interpreting whether differences in dementia risk are due to differences in the competing risk of mortality. Models adjusted for systolic blood pressure, body mass index, cholesterol medication use, estimated glomerular filtration rate, education and history of diabetes, stroke, and cardiovascular disease at baseline. Index AHD = position of antihypertensive class combination from lowest to highest hazard ratio; Thi = thiazides (& thiazide-like).

Discussion

In a population of community-dwelling older people, angiotensin II–stimulating antihypertensive use was associated with an approximately 40% lower risk of incident dementia compared to angiotensin II–inhibiting antihypertensive use over 6.7 years of follow-up. This was not due to an increased risk of mortality. Results were independent of systolic BP, cardiovascular risk factors, and history of stroke or DM, and consistent throughout sensitivity analyses. There was a significant interaction suggesting the lower risk of dementia for angiotensin II–stimulating antihypertensive users was particularly evident in individuals without a history of CVD.

Several factors need consideration before interpreting these results. Conditions affecting dementia risk may also influence antihypertensive subclass prescriptions. Most notably: (1) ACEIs may be more commonly prescribed with DM; (2) BBs with heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and after myocardial infarction; (3) non-DiCCBs with atrial fibrillation; and (4) combinations of angiotensin II–stimulating and angiotensin II–inhibiting antihypertensives with greater hypertension severity.30 Subgroup analyses suggest these factors do not explain our overall results. The observed lower risks were evident in all sensitivity and subgroups analyses except in individuals with CVD. Nevertheless, we cannot exclude confounding by indication completely, since we do not know prescriber rationale for each particular antihypertensive regimen. However, associations for residual confounders would need to be strong to fully explain results. For our finding of a 44% lower HR for angiotensin II–stimulating compared to angiotensin II–inhibiting antihypertensive users in model 3, the E-value would be 2.97, suggesting that an unmeasured confounder would need to have an HR of approximately 3 with both the exposure and outcome to fully explain away the association. This is 50%–100% larger than relative risks associated with known important noncongenital dementia risk factors.1,34 Second, we used antihypertensive data from the PreDIVA baseline without accounting for adherence. Furthermore, we do not know when antihypertensive treatment was initiated. Our analyses therefore assume that treatment exposure did not substantially differ between subclasses (or did not influence risk differences). Differences in adherence by subclasses may influence our results, but evidence does not suggest adherence is clearly better or worse for angiotensin II–stimulating compared to angiotensin II–inhibiting drug classes; dosing frequency and number of concurrent medications seem more important factors for adherence.35,–,38 How treatment duration and exposure affects the observed risks requires future study. Third, dementia was operationalized as an independent committee–adjudicated clinical diagnosis, confirmed after 1 year additional follow-up. This corroborated diagnostic validity and clinical generalizability but may have lowered sensitivity, leading to missed cases. These misclassifications are likely unrelated to antihypertensive subclass use (nondifferential), causing bias towards the null, leading to underestimated associations. Fourth, although we controlled for history of stroke, this definition included TIA, which is very different both clinically and prognostically. This is expected to have limited effect on our overall results, but it is important to consider when interpreting the results of our stroke subgroup analyses. Fourth, although overall analyses were sufficiently powered, some analyses in small subgroups lacked power, especially in model 3. The observed interactions (e.g., with CVD) therefore require cautious interpretation. Fourth, although chance is an unlikely explanation for our main findings, because we tested a prespecified hypothesis with ample power, the subanalyses assessing HRs for each possible subclass categorization are sensitive to type II error. However, these were exploratory analyses to compare our predefined antihypertensive categorization to any random alternative. Finally, using RCT cohort data could have limited generalizability. This is unlikely, however. PreDIVA had a pragmatic, population-based design, and the trial population was comparable to Dutch national population cohort data.26,39 Moreover, the trial intervention did not recommend particular antihypertensive types, had no effect on dementia incidence, and sensitivity analysis adjusting for the intervention gave similar results.26,40

Overall, our results largely support the angiotensin hypothesis that certain antihypertensive subclasses convey a reduced risk of dementia compared to others, based on their RAS activity, independent of BP effects. Hypothetically, activity at the AT2 and AT4 receptors reduces dementia incidence by protecting the brain from ischemic damage (particularly AT2)16,21,22 and stimulating memory function (through AT4).23,24 ARBs, thiazide diuretics, and DiCCBs are generally thought to upregulate angiotensin II production, thereby stimulating activity at the AT2 and AT4 receptors.18,27,28 ACEIs, BBs, and non-DiCCBs are generally thought to downregulate angiotensin II production, thereby diminishing the positive activity at the AT2 and AT4 receptors.18,29 Furthermore, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) reportedly degrades Aβ in the brain, a protein widely considered to be involved in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer disease.16,25 ACEIs may reduce this degradation by inhibiting ACE activity, thus facilitating Aβ plaque accumulation.18 ARBs selectively inhibit angiotensin II at AT1 without inhibiting ACE, thus leaving Aβ degradation intact.18 Moreover, by selectively inhibiting angiotensin II activity at the AT1 receptor, ARBs stimulate activity at the AT2 and AT4 receptors.18 Taken together, antihypertensives that increase activity at AT2 and AT4 (angiotensin II–stimulating antihypertensives) are hypothesized to have greater brain protective effects than those that decrease activity at the same receptors (angiotensin II–inhibiting antihypertensives). Several different antihypertensive classes have previously been associated with reduced risks of incident dementia.6,–,12,15 The angiotensin hypothesis provides an overarching pathophysiologic framework to better understand the heterogeneous findings regarding antihypertensive use and dementia risk.16,17 Because a number of methodologic biases may influence these associations, the inconsistencies in previous studies' results are not surprising.6,–,12,15

Our analyses suggest that the difference between angiotensin II–stimulating and angiotensin II–inhibiting antihypertensives might be driven by DiCCBs and ARBs rather than thiazides, although all 3 conveyed lower dementia risks without increased mortality. DiCCBs were associated with the lowest dementia risk. This may reflect protective effects of DiCCB beyond angiotensin II stimulation (e.g., stimulating angiogenesis),6,15 or chance/bias from the study's relatively small number of DiCCB users, high number of comparisons, and observational design. Previous studies have found both lower7,9,41 and higher42,43 dementia risks for calcium channel blockers (CCBs) compared to ARBs and also lower42,–,44 and higher7,9,41,45 dementia risks for CCBs compared to diuretics. However, none of these were significant in direct comparison. Substantial differences in methodology may underlie these heterogeneous results. In our study, as hypothesized, ACEIs were among the subclasses conveying the highest dementia risk. This effect was not moderated by a history of DM, suggesting that confounding by indication is unlikely to be driving this association. ACEIs have been associated with higher dementia risks compared to other antihypertensive subclasses in clinical studies.6,–,12,15 This is supported by findings that ACE facilitates Aβdegradation.16,17 The higher risk associated with BBs also corresponds to previous findings.6,–,12,15 The risks associated with K-sparing and loop diuretics are difficult to interpret because these are almost always prescribed as adjunct medications for comorbidities such as heart or renal failure and electrolyte disorders.30

Our findings warrant replication in other longitudinal cohorts. Being observational, they cannot establish definitive causal relationships. Causality could be strengthened by combining clinical observations with dementia-associated neuropathology. The few data available suggest that cognitively intact individuals on ARBs have slower atrophy rates and less cerebral Aβdeposition than those on ACEIs.46,47 The angiotensin hypothesis ideally requires RCT testing. Trials comparing antihypertensive subclasses with dementia as primary outcome are challenging, requiring many participants and long follow-up.48 Designing intervention and control conditions is also problematic, since withholding antihypertensive treatment is unethical, several subclasses potentially reduce dementia risks, and guidelines recommend combining subclasses, which decreases potential for between-type comparisons. The angiotensin hypothesis could help address these issues, suggesting 3 different antihypertensive subclasses available for the intervention (ARBs, DiCCBs, thiazides), and all others for the control group. This may greatly facilitate trial design and improve power. Lacking RCT data, there is an imperative need to robustly study candidate brain protectants, including antihypertensives, from longitudinal observational studies using clinical dementia outcome measures. Our results suggest future treatment of hypertension could include a compelling indication for certain antihypertensive subclasses. This would be easy and affordable to implement in clinical practice, because the antihypertensives studied are common first-line antihypertensive treatments available in generic forms.30 In a recent survey among antihypertensive users, most (>90%) reported to be willing to take a specific subclass as early as in midlife, if the medication was shown to prevent or delay dementia.49 Given hypertension's high prevalence, even modest differences in antihypertensive effects on the aging brain would have substantial implications for public health.

This study found that individuals using angiotensin II–stimulating antihypertensives had approximately 40% lower dementia rates compared to those using angiotensin II–inhibiting antihypertensives. This association was not due to increased mortality and was independent of cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidity, but it may be specific for individuals without CVD. Although we tested a prespecified hypothesis, this study is the first to evaluate these associations, and replication is necessary to allow definitive conclusions. If replicated, the beneficial effects associated with angiotensin II–stimulating antihypertensives could have major influence on clinical practice, providing a treatment strategy that is easy and inexpensive to implement on a large scale and could markedly reduce dementia risk on a population level.

Study Funding

The PreDIVA trial was funded by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (grant number 50-50110-98-020), the Dutch Innovation Fund of Collaborative Health Insurances (grant number 05-234), and the Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (grant number 62000015). The current research is supported by VIDI grant 91718303 to E. Richard from the Dutch Research Council (NWO) Health Research and Development (ZonMW) VIDI programme. Z.A. Marcum was supported by an Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality grant (K12HS022982) and the National Institute on Aging of the NIH (K76AG059929). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH. The PreDIVA trial was registered with ISRCTN, number ISRCTN29711771.

Disclosure

The authors report no disclosures relevant to the manuscript. Go to Neurology.org/N for full disclosures.

Appendix Authors

Footnotes

  • ↵* These authors contributed equally to this work.

  • Go to Neurology.org/N for full disclosures. Funding information and disclosures deemed relevant by the authors, if any, are provided at the end of the article. The Article Processing Charge was funded by University of Amsterdam.

  • CME Course: NPub.org/cmelist

  • Received February 18, 2020.
  • Accepted in final form August 12, 2020.

This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives License 4.0 (CC BY-NC-ND), which permits downloading and sharing the work provided it is properly cited. The work cannot be changed in any way or used commercially without permission from the journal.

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