UC Irvine

Calcium homeostasis changes are associated with brain aging. Cytotoxic events produce elevated intracellular calcium via numerous mechanisms, such as changes in calcium channels. Several clinical trials have explored a possible therapeutic role of calcium channel blockers (CCB) in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). We studied possible preventive effects of CCB in development of AD in a prospective longitudinal study. Methods: In the first analysis, all active subjects between 1980-96 from the BLSA were included. During follow up, 108 of the subjects were diagnosed with AD. Since newer CCB, which are likely to pass the blood brain barrier were introduced in the late 80s, we performed a 2nd analysis that was restricted to the 1087 subjects who were active during 1990-96. During follow up, 59 of these subjects were diagnosed with AD. Data on use of CCB was obtained prospectively by self-report at each BLSA visit. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the risk of developing AD associated with the use of CCB. Results/Conclusion: In both analyses the use of CCB did not result in a significantly lower risk of AD (analysis 1: RR=0.96; p-.91; analysis 2: RR=0.56; p=.23 respectively), although there was a non-significant trend for decreased relative risk in the 2nd analysis. Follow up studies are needed with more detailed analysis of the type of CCB used and/or length of usage.