Blood pressure drugs 'may cut Alzheimer's risk'

Scientists have said blood pressure medicines may cut the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by up to 40 per cent.

In addition, the drugs known as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) were found to slow the progression of the condition, according to researchers from the Boston University school of medicine.

Presenting their results at an Alzheimer's conference in Chicago, the scientists said the data was "striking".

Study leader Professor Benjamin Wolozin commented that the findings are "particularly interesting" because the effects of ARBs were compared with other blood pressure medicines.

He continued: "This suggests that ARBs are more effective than other blood pressure and cardiovascular medications for preventing Alzheimer's disease or dementia."

A study recently published in the online European Heart Journal suggested coronary heart disease is associated with lower levels of performance in mental processes and verbal skills.

The researchers, led by Dr Archana Singh-Manoux, found that the longer the time period since a diagnosis of heart disease had been made, the lower the level of mental performance.

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