Title:Angiotensin-Receptor Blockers and the Risk of Alzheimer´s Disease: A Meta-analysis
Volume: 16
Issue: 1
Author(s): Teodoro J. Oscanoa*, José Amado, Xavier Vidal and Roman Romero-Ortuno
Affiliation:
- Centro de Investigacion de Seguridad de Medicamentos de la Facultad de Medicina Humana de la Universidad de San Martin de Porres (FMH-USMP), Lima,Peru
Keywords:
Angiotensin-receptor blockers, alzheimer´s disease, elderly, angiotensin II, meta-analysis, pro-oxidant effects.
Abstract:
Background: Anti-hypertensive 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 the
incidence of AD.
Results: Ten studies (1 RCT, 2 case-control 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, 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.
