The renin-angiotensin system, hypertension and cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease: new therapeutic potential

Alzheimer's disease, which is the most common cause of dementia, is traditionally thought to be a neurodegenerative disorder and not of vascular origin. However, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting an association between vascular risk factors and Alzheimer's disease. Several epidemiological studies have shown that high mid-life blood pressure is related to the development of Alzheimer's disease in later life. Furthermore, the use of some kinds of antihypertensive medication has been suggested to reduce the incidence of dementia including Alzheimer's disease. Recent findings indicate that the brain has its own renin-angiotensin system, which mediates several physiological and pathological brain functions. The neurobiological links between the renin-angiotensin system and Alzheimer's disease have been investigated and become a source of interest in the pathogenesis of the disease. This review describes the relation between the renin-angiotensin system, hypertension and Alzheimer's disease, and also discusses the potential use of antihypertensive drugs acting via the renin-angiotensin system in the treatment and prevention of the disease.