Reducing blood pressure to prevent cognitive decline in older adults
Official title: Preventing Cognitive Decline by Reducing BP Target Trial
Run by University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center · NCT05106036 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if better blood pressure management can help older adults with high blood pressure avoid memory problems and dementia.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 70 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 4000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | Chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Dallas, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 11, 2022 |
| Main results expected | August 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | August 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | December 3, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05106036 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals aged 70 and older with high blood pressure readings of at least 130/80 mmHg.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with consistently low blood pressure, significant neurological diseases, or those under 70 years of age may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The PCOT trial is a multi-site randomized trial aimed at patients aged 70 and older with high blood pressure. It investigates whether a combination of clinical decision support and team-based care can improve blood pressure control and reduce the incidence of mild cognitive impairment and dementia compared to usual medical care. The study will recruit 4,000 participants from diverse health systems and assess changes in cognitive function and potential harms associated with intensive blood pressure lowering. The primary outcome will be the rate of cognitive decline measured by TICS-m scores.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved cognitive health and quality of life for older adults by effectively managing blood pressure.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results in managing blood pressure to improve cognitive outcomes, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * High BP defined as at least 1 BP readings of SBP \>= 130 or DBP \>=80 during the 24 months prior to enrollment * Clinic visit with primary care provider within the last 24 months * Ability to write and speak English or Spanish * 70 years of age or older * Ability to understand and willingness to provide informed consent * Owns a smartphone Exclusion Criteria: * Blood pressure consistently \<130/80 mmHg * Presence of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or significant neurological disease * Major and unstable heart disease (e.g., acute heart failure (systolic or diastolic), acute on chronic heart failure (systolic or diastolic), acute coronary syndrome or cardiac arrest, liver or renal transplantation * Under 70 years of age * Inability to write or speak English or Spanish * Chronic kidney disease stage 5 or ESKD * Chemotherapy * Any conditions judged by the medical providers to contraindicate participation due to risk to patient safety or lack of adherence * Expected life expectancy under a year
Where it's running
-
UT Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Venkatraghavan Sundaram, Ph.D.
- Email: venkatraghavan.sundaram@phhs.org
- Phone: 214-590-3848
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.