Current status of renin–aldosterone angiotensin system-targeting anti-hypertensive drugs as therapeutic options for Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

Continued biochemical research of the RAAS pathway in combination with formal investigation of current RAAS-modifying drugs in randomised clinical trials is now necessary to determine their therapeutic value in AD.

Captopril and Valsartan May Improve Cognitive Function Through Potentiation of the Brain Antioxidant Defense System and Attenuation of Oxidative/Nitrosative Damage in STZ-Induced Dementia in Rat

“…It has been demonstrated that the antihypertensive drugs may have beneficial effects on cognitive functions in AD patients. 18 According to epidemiological assessment using RAS inhibitors in hypertensive patients, which have cognitive deficit and dementia, has improved the cognitive dysfunctions.…”

“…16,17 Preclinical and clinical studies confirm involvement of the brain RAS in memory dysfunction. 16,18 However, the evidence is limited but treatment with antihypertensive RAS inhibitors has been associated with reduction of brain damage in different experimental and clinical models of neurodegenerative diseases. [19][20][21] According to previous findings, AT1 is involved in the beginning and progression of several neurodegenerative disorders such as AD.…”

Prevention Studies in Alzheimer’s Disease: Progress Towards the Development of New Therapeutics

“…Antihypertensive trials are particularly interesting since doses were determined according to the efficacy on blood pressure. However, some evidence suggests that the effect of antihypertensive drugs on AD prevention may be due to different mechanisms, independent of their blood pressurelowering action [58,59]. Thus, doses used in hypertension may not be the most appropriate and subjects in prevention trials could potentially have received lower doses if appropriate phase II trials were conducted.…”

Effect of Resveratrol on Reactive Oxygen Species-Induced Cognitive Impairment in Rats with Angiotensin II-Induced Early Alzheimer’s Disease

“…The pathogenesis of AD is considered a multifactorial neurodegenerative process, in which several pathways are damaged due to oxidative stress injury, abnormal energy processing, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation [5,6]. Moreover, recent studies have reported that hypertension is a major risk factor for the development of AD in old age [7]. The nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) is located in the dorsal medulla of the brainstem, which is the primary integrating centre for cardiovascular regulation and other autonomic functions of the CNS.…”