Blood pressure, cholesterol drugs fail to slow cognitive decline: study

By Bill Berkrot NEW ORLEANS (Reuters) - Taking medicines to lower blood pressure and cholesterol failed to prevent cognitive and functional declines in older adults with moderate risk of heart disease, according to results of a clinical trial presented on Sunday. Patients in the study with hypertension and moderate risk of heart disease slashed their long-term risk of heart attack and stroke by 40 percent by taking a blood pressure medication as well as a cholesterol-lowering statin. Under the theory that what is good for the heart is also good for the brain, researchers conducted a series of tests in Hope-3 patients aged 70 and older, who are considered at highest risk for cognitive decline.