A study of 774 Japanese-American men suggests that taking beta-blocker drugs, commonly used to treat high blood pressure, may lower the risk of dementia. The research, to be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's annual meeting in March, found that men on beta-blockers were less likely to have brain changes indicative of dementia, such as shrinkage and tissue damage from poor blood supply.
The University of Hawaii team analysed autopsies and found that all blood pressure medications were better than no treatment. However, men who took beta-blockers alone had fewer brain abnormalities than those on other medications or no treatment. Those on beta-blockers combined with other drugs also showed fewer abnormalities, but the reduction was less pronounced.
High blood pressure is a known risk factor for dementia, as it can damage small brain vessels, reducing oxygen and nutrient supply. Vascular dementia, the second most common form after Alzheimer's, can result from reduced blood flow. The study included 610 men with hypertension or receiving treatment for it.
Study author Dr Lon White said: 'With the number of people with Alzheimer's disease expected to grow significantly as our population ages, it is increasingly important to identify factors that could delay or prevent the disease. These results are exciting, especially since beta-blockers are a common treatment for high blood pressure.'
Dr Simon Ridley of Alzheimer's Research UK cautioned: 'This study suggests a link between the use of beta-blockers and fewer signs of dementia, but as the results have yet to be published in full, it's not clear what caused this link. It's important to note that this study only looked at Japanese-American men, and these results may not be applicable to the wider population.' He stressed the need for larger, more diverse studies and increased investment in dementia research.
