New research: blood pressure medication may help with Alzheimer's
There appears to be a link between blood pressure medication and a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Published on February 25, 2025
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Researchers have discovered that bright spots in the brain, so-called white matter hyperintensities (WMH) that are visible on MRI scans, can help predict the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Stopping the growth of these spots with medication may be able to delay or even prevent dementia.
An international team of researchers, including members from the University of Texas and the University of Bordeaux, has examined the connection between WMH, Alzheimer's, and other blood vessel-related characteristics. The bright spots in the brain occur in people with dementia and cognitive decline. Although people with Alzheimer's have more of these spots, they also occur in people without cognitive decline. WMH develops in the blood vessels and is often connected to high blood pressure.
75,000 people
Data from 13 European databases with a total of 75,000 people with different types of dementia, including Alzheimer's, was also examined. These results also showed that WMH may play a role in certain forms of dementia.
Genetic markers
The team also examined genetic markers related to WMH. The analysis showed that there were certain genes associated with higher levels of WMH and that these genes increased the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Blood pressure medication: a solution?
Previous studies have already shown that blood pressure medication can lower WMH levels, which could potentially help prevent Alzheimer's in the future. This connection still needs to be investigated further. For example, a clinical study showed that treatment with an ACE inhibitor for 36 months significantly reduced the number of WMH.
More research needed
The researchers indicated that there were limitations to the study, such as the fact that the participants were mainly of European descent. The researchers therefore recommend repeating the study with people from different population groups to be certain that the findings are correct.
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