Blood pressure drug could slow dementia

A DRUG used to treat high blood pressure could help slow the progress of a type of dementia, say researchers.

Vascular dementia, which is caused by damaged and ‘leaky’ small blood vessels in the brain, is thought to affect around 150,000 Britons.

There is currently no treatment to prevent or slow the disease.

But researchers have now discovered that the blood pressure drug amlodipine could help treat or even stop it in its early stages. A team from the University of Manchester, along with scientists in the US, looked at blood flow in the brains of mice with high blood pressure and vascular damage in the brain.

Mice treated with amlodipine had better blood flow to more active areas of the brain, the findings revealed, so more oxygen and nutrients reached areas that needed them most.

The team also discovered that high blood pressure decreases the activity of a protein called Kir2.1 that is present in cells lining blood vessels and increases blood flow to active areas of the brain.

Amlodipine was found to restore the activity of Kir2.1 and protect the brain from the effects of high blood pressure.

The researchers hope to trial amlodipine as a treatment for vascular dementia in humans. If successful, it could be used in those with early signs of the condition to prevent further progression.

Dr Adam Greenstein, of the University of Manchester, said: ‘The way vascular dementia develops has remained a mystery until now.

‘Patients are presenting with symptoms earlier than ever before, and with further research we could potentially offer them hope to prevent the progression of this life-changing disease.’

The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, was part-funded by the British Heart Foundation.

Professor Metin Avkiran of the charity said: ‘This study is a vital step forward.’

Vascular dementia is distinct from the most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s.

‘A vital step forward’