Angiotensin-Receptor Blockers and the Risk of Alzheimer´s Disease: A Meta-analysis

Author(s):

Teodoro J. Oscanoa*, José Amado, Xavier Vidal and Roman Romero-Ortuno Pages 1-6 (6)

Abstract:

Background:Antihypertensive medications may reduce the incidence of cognitive disorders. This may be due to reasons beyond their pure hypotensive effect. This study aimed to systematically review the association between the use of Angiotensin-Receptor Blockers (ARBs)and the incidence of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD).

Methods: We systematically searched studies reporting the association between ARB use and incidence of AD.

Results: Ten studies (1 RCT, 2 case-control studies and 7 cohort studies) met the inclusion criteria. When all observational studies (9) were analyzed, ARB use was associated with a reduced risk of incident AD (HR 0.72, 95% CI: 0.58-0.88, p<0.001). In the only RCT, the decrease in the incidence of AD was also significant (HR= 0.31,95% CI:0.14-0.68).

Conclusion: ARB use may reduce the risk of incident AD. This association does not imply causation and further research is required to clarify potential mechanisms.

Keywords:

Angiotensin-Receptor Blockers, Alzheimer's Disease, elderly, Angiotensin II, meta-analysis

Affiliation:

Centro de Investigación de Seguridad de Medicamentos de la Facultad de Medicina Humana de la Universidad de San Martín de Porres (FMH-USMP),Lima, Centro de Investigación de Seguridad de Medicamentos de la Facultad de Medicina Humana de la Universidad de San Martín de Porres (FMH-USMP),Lima, Clinical Pharmacology Department, Valld’Hebrón Hospital, Barcelona, Trinity College Dublin, Discipline of Medical Gerontology, Mercer’s Institute for Successful Ageing, St James’s Hospital, Dublin

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