Certain blood pressure drugs show promise in reducing dementia.

Seniors who take certain blood pressure medications might be at a dramatically reduced risk for developing dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease, according to findings in Neurology.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine found those older than 75 who had normal cognition and took diuretics, angiotensin-1 receptor blockers (ARBs) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors demonstrated a 50% reduced risk of Alzheimer’s. Among those with mild cognitive impairment, diuretic use was associated with a 50% reduced risk. Beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers did not have this effect.