|
Blood Pressure Drugs Save Memory?
Reported July 27, 2009
(Ivanhoe Newswire) – Proven beneficial to the heart and kidneys,
research shows certain blood pressure drugs called ACE inhibitors may also
benefit the brain.
A specific type of ACE inhibitor known as “centrally acting” can cross the
blood-brain barrier. A study involving 5,888 participants over the age of 65
analyzed the effect of centrally acting ACE inhibitors, finding lower rates
of mental decline in patients who took the drugs. In addition, participants
exposed to the drugs saw 65 percent less cognitive decline per year compared
to patients taking other blood pressure medications.
The new research demonstrates the importance of choosing the right blood
pressure medicine. Patients taking ACE inhibitors which did not cross the
blood brain barrier were at 73 percent greater risk for developing dementia
when compared against other blood pressure medications.
SOURCE: Archives of Internal Medicine, July 2009 |
