Angiotensin II- and Alzheimer-Type Cardiovascular Aging “Ang”heimer?

Abstract

Over the past millennium, great strides have been made n expanding the human life span. Such gains, however, have come with the cost of increasing age-related diseases such as Alzheimer disease. Slowing biological aging, therefore, may be a way to reduce morbidity and significantly impact the quality of life for the elderly. Enhanced Ang II (angiotensin II) signal transduction has been implicated in premature aging, and evidence exists for the prolongation of life through blockade of the AT1R (Ang II type-1 receptor). In this Viewpoint article, we will discuss noteworthy similarities between Ang II pathophysiology and Alzheimer disease as potential intervention points to promote healthy aging.