title: [The effect of angiotensin receptor blockers in cerebrovascular disorders and dementia: bonus in addition to the antihypertensive effect].
abstract: Hypertension and dementia are frequent disorders or rather syndromes. Their incidence is growing with advancing age and hypertension is increasing the risk of cognitive impairment too, while treating hypertension (i.e. the use of antihypertensive medications) is decreasing it. In addition, hypertension is the most important risk factor for stroke. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has a special role in the development of hypertension and also involved in the pathogenesis of the most frequent dementia form, namely Alzheimer's disease. The effect of angiotensin convertase inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) is based on the inhibition of the RAS, but the ARBs do not inhibit angiotensin formation, just blocking its harmful effects on the AT1 receptor, while allowing the activation of AT2 receptors with pleiotropic effects. Preclinical, epidemiological and clinical therapeutic studies suggest this additional effect of ARBs and these are summarized in this review.
authors.forename: Tibor
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kovács
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D057911:Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D060825:Cognitive Dysfunction / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003704:Dementia / Q000517:prevention & control; D056344:Executive Function; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D009413:Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / Q000473:pathology; D044140:Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1 / Q000187:drug effects*; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000187:drug effects; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D057911:Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D044140:Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1