Letter

Effect of antihypertensive treatment on cognitive function of older patients

BMJ 1996; 313 doi: 10.1136/bmj.313.7050.166a (Published 20 July 1996)
Cite this as: BMJ 1996;313:166.2

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  1. C D Irvine,
  2. S H Irvine
  1. Research registrar Vascular Research Unit, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol BS2 8HW
  2. Professor of psychology Human Assessment Laboratory, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA

    Effect is not proved

    EDITOR,—On the basis of the results of two cognitive tests Martin J Prince and colleagues conclude that hypertensive drug regimens in elderly people impair cognition no more than does a placebo.1 This may lead to the changes suggested by the key message “Concerns about damaging cognition should not deter doctors from treating hypertension in older patients.” We have concerns about the study's design: the nature of the outcome measures used, the lack of any run in period before treatment to minimise practice …

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