Inhibition of the cerebral renin-angiotensin system to limit cognitive decline in elderly hypertensive persons

Abstract

Inhibition of then renin-angiotensin system (RAS) ranks among the best established and most used cardiovascular therapies. By providing protection against hypertension and heart failure, and also the microvascular complications of diabetes, RAS inhibitors have contributed to the longer lifeexpectancy now found in higher income populations throughout the world. However, longevity propels aging persons closer to the inevitable cognitive decline. It is here that the RAS-inhibitors may also have a special role, especially in the many elderly persons with hypertension. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.