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Blood pressure drugs can lower Alzheimer's risk by up to 50 per cent

Discussion in 'Psychiatry' started by Egyptian Doctor, Oct 19, 2011.

  1. Egyptian Doctor

    Egyptian Doctor Moderator Verified Doctor

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    Taking newer blood pressure drugs cuts the
    risk of Alzheimer's by up to 50 per cent, British scientists say.



    Patients on these new drugs are also less
    likely to develop vascular dementia ”“ a condition caused by problems in blood
    supply to the brain ”“ than those on older medication.



    The first study of its kind opens the door for
    a treatment that might delay, slow or even prevent dementia.


    People with high blood pressure are more at risk
    of developing Alzheimer's and similar diseases, but some are protected by the
    drugs they take, the study shows.

    Bristol University researchers investigated
    medication which targets a biochemical pathway called the renin angiotensin


    These drugs ”“ known as ARBs and ACE inhibitors
    ”“ have become increasingly prescribed in the past ten years. They include
    ramipril, captopril, losartan, candesartan and valsartan.




    Scientists analysed data from 40,000 patients
    aged over 60 who were being treated for hypertension, or high blood pressure.

    One quarter had a type of dementia. The
    biggest benefit was for patients taking ARBs, with a 53 per cent drop in risk,
    compared with patients on ACE inhibitors, who had a 24 per cent lower risk of
    Alzheimer's or similar condition.

     

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