Aims of the DANTON study
The DANTON study investigates whether a gradual increase of blood pressure by discontinuing antihypertensive treatment reduces NPS and improves quality of life. Furthermore, the effects on cognitive function, care dependency, psychotropic medication use, falls and cardiovascular safety will be assessed.
Methodology and Data collection
During an 8-month period, 492 nursing home residents with dementia and active antihypertensive treatment will be randomized in an intervention (discontinuation) and a control (continuation) group. Eligibility criteria require participants to have a diagnosis of moderate-severe dementia and a current systolic blood pressure ≤160 mmHg. Older adults will be excluded if they have moderate-severe heart failure, a recent history of a cardiovascular event, a reperfusion procedure, or a life-expectancy of less than 4 months. The co-primary outcome measures are change in NPS and quality of life.