Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have found that angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), a particular class of anti-hypertensive medicines, may help reduce the chances of developing Alzheimer's and may also help those already suffering from the disease.

During the study, they found that these drugs are associated with a striking decrease in the occurrence and progression of the disease.

Using data from the Decision Support System Database of the U.S. Department of Health System Veterans Affairs, researchers looked at records from patients using ARBs, and compared them with subjects who had a similar health status, but were taking different medications.

They found that patients taking ARBs had about a 35-40 percent lower chance of getting Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

The researchers also examined patients who were already suffering from Alzheimer's disease or dementia, and found those taking ARBs for hypertension had up to a 45 percent lower chance of developing delirium, being admitted to nursing homes or dying.

Patients who appeared to benefit particularly well from use of ARBs were those who had experienced strokes before or during the course of their illness.

According to the researchers, these results suggest that ARBs might protect against developing Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

"For those who already have dementia, use of ARBs might delay deterioration of brain function and help keep patients out of nursing homes," said lead presenter Benjamin Wolozin, MD, PhD, a professor of pharmacology at BUSM.