Elevated Plasma Aβ42 in Cognitively Impaired Individuals Taking ACE Inhibitor Antihypertensives. (September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Regenold, William T.; Blumenthal, Jacob B.; Loreck, David J.; Mordecai, Kristen L.; Scarinzi, Gina; Doddi, Seshagiri R.; Adler, Lawrence
• Is Part Of: American journal of Alzheimer's disease & other dementias. Volume 32:Number 6(2017)
• Page Start: 347
• Page End: 352
• Publication Date: 2017-09
• Subjects: Alzheimer's disease -- dementia -- mild cognitive impairment -- amyloid -- clearance -- angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor; Alzheimer's disease -- Periodicals; Dementia -- Periodicals; Alzheimer's disease -- Patients -- Care -- United States -- Periodicals; 616.83
• DOI: 10.1177/1533317517707288
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1533-3175

Abstract

Background/Rationale: Accumulating evidence suggests that the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE-I) medication protects against cognitive decline in the elderly patients. We investigated whether ACE-I use was associated with higher plasma levels of amyloid-β (Aβ), possibly indicating improved Aβ clearance from brain to blood. Methods: We measured and compared plasma concentrations of Aβ42, Aβ40, and creatinine in cognitively impaired individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment, probable Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia, and mixed probable AD/vascular dementia. Results: Plasma Aβ42 levels and Aβ42/Aβ40 ratios of participants taking ACE-Is (n = 11) significantly exceeded ( t = 3.1, df = 19, P = .006; U = 24, P = .029, respectively) those not taking ACE-Is (n = 10). Conclusions: This study is the first to show an association between ACE-I use and increased plasma Aβ42 level and Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio in cognitively impaired individuals. Future investigations should assess whether a possible ACE-I-induced increase in plasma Aβ42 indicates improved Aβ42 clearance from brain that contributes to protection from cognitive decline.