History of stroke associated with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease

A history of stroke was associated with a two-fold risk for both familial and sporadic forms of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD), according to an analysis of data from two longitudinal studies published online in JAMA Neurology. But hypertension was associated with decreased disease risk, and there was no association found between type 2 diabetes and LOAD.

Previous studies have found an association between cerebrovascular and cardiovascular risk factors, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, smoking, lipid disorders and load. Little was known about causal associations and the timing of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease and load, the authors noted. 

They analyzed clinical outcomes from a total of 6,553 adults, participants in National INsitute on Aging Late-Onset Disease/National Cell Repository for Alzherimer Disease family study and the multiethnic community-based Washington Heights-Inwood Columbia Aging Project, who met several criteria for familial AD.

To explain the finding of an inverse association between hypertension and LOAD risk, the authors hypothesized that “high blood pressure in late life may protect against LOAD” and antihypertensive treatmetns, including diuretics, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and others, may confer a “protective effect.”

Nicole Stempak

Nicole was Senior Editor at I Advance Senior Care and Long Term Living Magazine 2015-2017. She has a Journalism degree from Kent State University and is finalizing a master’s degree in Information Architecture and Management. She has extensive studies in the digital user experience and in branding online media. She has worked as an editor and writer for various B2B publications, including Business Finance.