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The blood-brain barrier protects the brain from toxins. Although some drugs can penetrate this protective barrier and cause memory problems, some drugs that treat hypertension seem like related to higher cognitive function.
In an evaluation published within the August 2021 issue of High blood pressureResearchers pooled information from 14 observational studies of nearly 12,900 adults age 50 and older with hypertension. It looked specifically at individuals who took ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) to treat their condition. Within these two classes are several kinds of drugs, a few of which may cross the blood-brain barrier.
After taking their medication for 3 years, those that took an ACE inhibitor (resembling lisinopril) or an ARB (resembling candesartan) that cross the blood-brain barrier scored higher on cognitive memory tests than those that didn't. were obtained who had taken different drugs. The same segment that doesn't cross.
High blood pressure is a risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia in older adults, and treatment with lifestyle changes and every type of blood pressure medication can reduce the chance. But these findings suggest that certain blood pressure-lowering drugs may offer additional brain advantages.
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