Medications that lower blood pressure linked to reduced risk of Alzheimer...( t strongly associated with a lower inci...),Health

t strongly associated with a lower incidence of AD. More specifically, potassium-sparing diuretics, which contain additional components to preserve levels of the mineral in the body, were related to a more than 70 percent reduction in the risk of AD. Beta blockers and antihypertensives known as dihydropyridine agents also were linked to a slightly protective effect against AD, while those called ACE inhibitors did not appear to be associated with the risk of developing the condition.

Although the exact reasons for the link between potassium-sparing diuretics and reduced risk of AD is unclear, the authors suggest that the increased blood potassium levels associated with the medications may be a factor. "As yet unpublished findings also suggest that increased potassium levels may be associated with a reduced risk of dementia," they write. "Consistent with this idea are observations that low potassium concentrations are associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, platelet aggregation and vasoconstriction, all of which are possible contributors to AD pathogenesis."

"We suggest these findings should prompt further epidemiologic and basic science studies into the possible neuroprotective effects of these drugs," they conclude.

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Contact: Tim Parsons
410-955-6878
JAMA and Archives Journals
13-Mar-2006

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