Drugs to Reduce the Risk of Dementia

Angiotensin receptor blockers may reduce risk for dementia.

Bloomberg News (1/13, Cortez) reports that, according to a study published in the British Medical Journal, "drugs commonly used to lower blood pressure, sold by AstraZeneca Plc, Sanofi-Aventis SA and Merck & Co., may also reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease." After analyzing "the medical records of more than 800,000 US veterans," Boston University researchers "found those taking angiotensin receptor blockers were up to 24 percent less likely to develop dementia than patients on other medications." Notably, "patients already diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease were half as likely to be admitted to a nursing home and had a 17 percent reduced risk of dying if they were taking the medications."
HealthDay (1/12, Edelson) reported that "a similar but smaller protective effect was found for a related drug, lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), which blocks production of the active form of angiotensin." The study authors "said that it's not clear why the drugs would have a beneficial effect on the brain, but improved blood flow probably plays a role." Nevertheless, "the evidence is not sufficient to support routine use of angiotensin receptor blockers to prevent Alzheimer's disease, [senior study author Benjamin Wolozin, MD] said."