Blood pressure meds may stave off dementia

LOS ANGELES A protein called angiotensin causes blood vessels to constrict, which raises blood pressure, but angiotensin may also play a role in dementia because it reduces blood flow to the brain.

That explains why some blood pressure drugs that target angiotensin may also have the benefit of keeping the brain sharp as we age.

In the study, medications called ace inhibitors - like lotensin and zestril as well as other drugs like avapro and cozaar lowered the risk of dementia by half.