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

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.