NEW research out of Monash University and the Karolinska Institutet has identified a potential new benefit of a commonly-used treatment for Alzheimer's disease.
The study demonstrated that the risk of ischaemic stroke was 15% lower, and the risk of death was 24% lower, in people with dementia who were dispensed acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) compared to controls.
The study builds upon previous research that suggests that AChEIs, such as donezepil (Aricept by Pfizer), have anti-inflammatory properties and help to protect the endothelial cells that line the interior surface of blood vessels.
Lead research author Dr Edwin Tan is an NHMRC-ARC Dementia Research Development Fellow.
Tan highlighted that reducing stroke risk remains important for improving the care and quality of life of people with dementia.
"People with dementia who experience a stroke have accelerated functional decline and poorer survival," Tan said, making this find a very positive option.
Access the study abstract at alzheimersanddementia.com.
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