A new study has found that a common drug used to treat hypertension could also reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. This drug, called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), has been shown to improve blood flow to the brain and reduce inflammation, which are both factors that can contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.
This study, published in the journal Hypertension, analyzed data from over 200,000 patients in Taiwan who had been prescribed ARBs or other blood pressure treatment medications. The researchers found that patients who took ARBs had a 50% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease compared to those who took other blood pressure treatment medications.
While this study does not prove that ARBs directly prevent Alzheimer’s disease, it does suggest that this drug has potential as a preventative treatment. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine the optimal dosages and duration of treatment.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia in older adults and currently has no cure. Finding effective preventative treatments is critical to reducing the burden of this devastating disease.
Sources of information:
Study: Cheng CL, Kao YH, Lin SJ, Lee JJ, Chen YJ, Lai ML. Association of Angiotensin Receptor Blockers and Risk of Dementia: A Nationwide Cohort Study. Hypertension.
Press release: American Heart Association. Common hypertension drugs may reduce Alzheimer’s disease risk, study finds.
