Sacubitril/Valsartan Reduces the Risk of All-Cause Dementia in Patients with Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
摘要
Sacubitril/valsartan, an angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), has become a cornerstone therapy for heart failure (HF) since its approval over a decade ago. However, concerns have emerged about potential cognitive risks, as neprilysin inhibition may contribute to the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) in the brain—a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia.
ObjectiveGiven the already elevated risk of dementia in patients with HF and the widespread use of sacubitril/valsartan, this meta-analysis aimed to evaluate whether its use is associated with an increased risk of all-cause dementia in HF populations.
MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted on 23 March 2025, to identify eligible studies comparing the risk of dementia in patients receiving sacubitril/valsartan versus those receiving placebo, no treatment, or other HF medications. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using a random-effects model.
ResultsSix studies, comprising 101,074 participants and published between 2017 and 2024, were included in the meta-analysis. Treatment with sacubitril/valsartan was associated with a significant 15% reduction in the risk of all-cause dementia (RR = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.74–0.98; p = 0.02). Leave-one-out sensitivity and subgroup analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings.
ConclusionsThis meta-analysis suggests that sacubitril/valsartan is associated with a reduced risk of dementia in patients with HF, helping to alleviate previous concerns about potential cognitive adverse effects. These findings support the continued use of sacubitril/valsartan as a foundational therapy in this high-risk population.