|
Anti-hypertensive drugs may protect against cognitive decline |
|
|
|
New research at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York suggests that anti-hypertensive drugs, usually given for high blood pressure, can slow the cognitive decline usually associated with Alzheimer's.
Dr. Giulio Maria Pasinetti made the finding by injecting different drugs into the brain cells of animals genetically inclined to developing the build up of beta-amyloid that occurs in
Alzheimer's disease, causing cognitive deterioration.
A range of drugs were all found to block this build up, but seven were identified as anti-hypertensive and one in particular, valsartin (Diovan), was found to be especially effective. Valsartin is widely prescribed for high blood pressure and so many may unknowingly be getting this potential side benefit.
Dr. Pasinette will present his findings Wednesday at the annual meeting of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, in Nashville, Tennesee.
Click here to read the full article on CBC News. |
