Key result
Antihypertensive medications may improve cognition and offer potential treatment or prevention options for Alzheimer's disease independent of their blood pressure-lowering effects.
Antihypertensive medications may offer cognitive benefits independent of blood pressure reduction, highlighting a potential avenue for Alzheimer's disease prevention or treatment.
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Should not yet change prescribing for cognition; leaves open confirmation of BP-independent effects in dedicated Alzheimer's trials.
Evidence supporting a link between vascular disorders such as hypertension and Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasing. Population studies have suggested an association between hypertension and an increased risk of developing AD. A potential role for antihypertensive medications in the management of cognitive disorders has also been suggested, although findings are mixed. However, it is of interest that evidence is now leaning towards the possibility that some of these antihypertensive medications may improve cognition independent of their blood pressure lowering effects. Many of these drugs cross the blood-brain barrier and may influence neurotransmitters involved in cognition. Increasing knowledge of the actions of antihypertensives in the brain and the vascular system could lead to better treatment and/or prevention options for AD.
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Nelson et al. (2013) conducted a review in Alzheimer's disease and hypertension. Antihypertensive medications was evaluated. Antihypertensive medications may improve cognition and offer potential treatment or prevention options for Alzheimer's disease independent of their blood pressure-lowering effects.
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