Developing Topics.

Abstract

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), the accumulation of amyloid proteins in the cerebral vasculature, increases the risk of stroke and vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). Not only is there no treatment for CAA, but the condition is also highly comorbid with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and its presence may serve as a contraindication to treating patients with anti-amyloid therapies due to an increased risk of hemorrhage and edema. Therefore, it is crucial to identify novel treatments for individuals with CAA. Epidemiological studies suggest that certain antihypertensive medications, including those that target the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), are associated with a decreased risk of dementia. This study assesses whether two FDA-approved RAS-targeting drugs: telmisartan [a moderately brain-penetrant angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)], and lisinopril [a brain-penetrant angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor]; can be repurposed for the treatment of CAA.