Studies have found that some antihypertensive drugs can reduce memory decline in the elderly

Hypertension is a risk factor leading to cognitive decline and dementia in the elderly

ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), calcium channel blockers and diuretics are different classes of antihypertensive drugs

"Research on which drugs are best for cognition has been mixed," said study author Daniel A.

This is the first meta-analysis that compares the potential effects of antihypertensive drugs with those that do not cross the blood-brain barrier over time

"High blood pressure occurs decades before the onset of dementia symptoms and affects not only the blood flow in the body, but also the blood flow in the brain," Nation said

The researchers collected information on nearly 12,900 adults over 50 years of age from 14 studies

• During the 3-year follow-up, the elderly who took blood-brain barrier antihypertensive drugs had better memories than those who took drugs that did not cross the blood-brain barrier, even though they had a higher vascular risk

  
  

• During the 3-year follow-up, adults who took hypertensive drugs that did not cross the blood-brain barrier had better attention

  
  

"These findings represent the strongest evidence to date, showing that brain penetration angiotensin receptor inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers are associated with better memory

Blood pressure is considered to be 120/80 mmHg or higher

The limitation of this analysis is that, according to the existing research, the authors cannot explain the difference in race/ethnic background, and the proportion of men who have taken blood-brain barrier drugs is higher than that of women

The National Institutes of Health and the Alzheimer's Association funded the research

Journal Reference :

1. Jean K.