Impact of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors on the occurrence of acute coronary syndrome in patients with dementia

The study aimed to investigate the association of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) use with the risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of dementia patients during 1 January 1999 to 31 December 2008 using the National Health Insurance Database in Taiwan. New AChEI users during the study period were matched with AChEI nonusers in age-matched and gender-matched cohorts. The risk of ACS associated with use of AChEIs was analyzed using modified Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard models after adjustment for competing death risk. Use of AChEIs was associated with a lower incidence of ACS (212.8/10,000 person-years) compared to the matched reference cohort (268.7/10,000 person-years). The adjusted hazard ratio for ACS in patients with dementia treated with AChEIs was 0.836 (95% confidence interval, 0.750–0.933; P < 0.001). Further sensitivity analysis of different study populations demonstrated consistent results. A statistical dose–response relationship for AChEI use and ACS risk was significant for the patients with dementia. In patients with dementia, AChEI treatment was associated with decreased risk of ACS.