title: Does the angiotensin II receptor antagonist losartan improve cognitive function?
abstract: Newer classes of antihypertensive agents, such as angiotensin II receptor antagonists, may offer benefits to patients in addition to their ability to lower blood pressure. It is accepted that chronic hypertension contributes to the development of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease, and several studies have demonstrated a link between hypertension and reduced cognitive function, especially in patients not receiving antihypertensive medication. In an initial clinical trial, the angiotensin II receptor antagonist losartan was shown to improve cognitive function in patients with hypertension, including in those who were elderly (up to 73 years of age). This effect cannot be explained by a reduction in blood pressure alone and is likely to involve interactions with the diverse biological actions of the renin-angiotensin system. Improving or maintaining cognitive function in patients with hypertension may translate into economic benefits beyond those expected due to blood pressure control, and would result in considerable quality-of-life benefits for the aging population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardio-Thoracic and Respiratory Sciences, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy. Tedesco@napoli.pandora.it
authors.forename: Michele A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Tedesco
authors.forename: Gennaro
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ratti
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Di Salvo
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Natale
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D000804:Angiotensin II / Q000378:metabolism*; D057911:Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000191:economics; D019808:Losartan / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D057911:Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D000804:Angiotensin II; D019808:Losartan