The findings of a new study published in the journal JAMA Neurology suggested that a polypill that targets vascular risk factors could halt the functional decline among older adults.

The International Polycap Study (TIPS-3) investigation revealed that its use alone or in conjunction with aspirin was not linked to a slower rate of cognitive deterioration compared to a matching placebo.

The current investigation concentrated on the cognitive and functional results of 2098 persons older than 65 from eight nations. Around 680 participants (32%) had low fasting plasma glucose, and 1796 participants (86%) suffered from hypertension. The researchers used the Digit Symbol Substitution Test, which measures attention, executive function, and psychomotor speed, and the Trail Making Test Part B, which measures attention for cognitive assessments. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a trustworthy 30-item test for detecting mild cognitive impairment, also served as an assessment tool.

Additionally, the Standard Evaluation of Global Everyday Activities (SAGEA), a 15-item patient-reported assessment of the capacity to carry out typical daily activities, was used to determine functional status.

The results showed no significant differences in the number of individuals who experienced a substantial decline (>1.5 SD) in cognitive function (356 took the polypill, and 328 took the placebo) or dementia during the 5-year follow-up period between treatment groups (polypill vs. placebo and polypill+aspirin vs. double placebo) (two took the polypill, and four took a placebo). Both those assigned to the polypill plus aspirin and those receiving the double placebo experienced less functional impairment over the course of follow-up (P =.01 and.01, respectively).

Researchers further stated that larger trials with longer follow-up may be necessary to uncover subtle cognitive changes that are still significant from a population-level perspective.

(Source: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987896?src=#vp_1https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/article-abstract/2800416)