Assessment of Vascular Event Prevention and Cognitive Function Among Older Adults With Preexisting Vascular Disease or Diabetes

Abstract

Key Points Question Do null results on cognitive function in cardiovascular trials exclude worthwhile benefit? Findings In this secondary analysis of 3 randomized clinical trials including 45 029 participants undergoing cognitive assessment, the prevention of nonfatal cardiovascular events in 4.5% of survivors in the Heart Protection Study, by randomization to statin, yielded an estimated cognitive function difference equivalent to avoiding 0.15 years of aging. By contrast, the trial was powered to detect a difference in cognitive aging of at least 1 year. Meaning Nonsignificant findings, even from large trials, should not be taken as good evidence of a lack of worthwhile benefit on cognitive function of prolonged use of cardioprotective therapies.