The use of blood-pressure drugs is linked to a lower incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and a reduced likelihood of entering a nursing home, Boston University School of Medicine researchers found.
Patients taking angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) were 35% to 40% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia compared with people who didn’t take the drugs, the study said. Also, those taking the drugs were less likely to develop delirium, to be admitted to facilities, or to die. Those patients who suffered strokes before or during being diagnosed with dementia seemed to especially benefit from taking ARBs.
The study indicates that ARBs might protect people against Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, researchers noted. The findings were expected to be presented this week at the International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease in Chicago.
