Alzheimer’s Society comment on BMJ research into impact of blood pressure treatments on dementia
Published 13 January 2010
New research published in the BMJ shows that angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), commonly used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease, could protect against Alzheimer’s disease.
The findings also show that ARBs could slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease or dementia, reducing incidence of early death or admission to nursing homes - helping people with dementia to maintain independence for longer.
'We have known for a while that it is important to control blood pressure from mid-life to reduce the risk of developing dementia. This new research not only adds to the evidence that treatments for high blood pressure could help stop the development of dementia but suggests that some of these treatments may be more suited to this than others.
The prospect of using already existing drugs to help in the fight against dementia is attractive. However, more research is needed to weigh up the benefits of this type of treatment as a protective tool. A million people will develop dementia in the next 10 years yet dementia research is desperately under-funded. We must act now.'
Dr Susanne Sorensen
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society
Ends
Reference: Li N-C, Lee A, Whitmer A, Kivipelto M, Lawler E, Kazis LE, Wolozin B. Use of angiotensin receptor blockers and risk of dementia in a predominantly male population: prospective cohort analysis. BMJ 2010; 340: b5465
Notes to editors
- One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
- Alzheimer's Society research shows that 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051.
- Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them.
- Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to help people live well with
dementia today and for research to find a cure for tomorrow. You can
donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
- Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk
