Blood Pressure Control to Reduce Amyloid-Beta Accumulation (HIPAC)

What Is This Study About?

Amyloid-beta is a protein found in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease. Hypertension may increase amyloid-beta accumulation and affect memory and thinking ability in older adults. This study will test whether lowering blood pressure using antihypertensive drugs alters brain pulsatility, a measure of blood flow, and reduces amyloid-beta accumulation in the brains of older adults. Participants will take a calcium channel blocker (amlodipine, Amvaz, or Norvasc), angiotensin II receptor blocker (losartan, Cozaar), and other antihypertensive drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to reduce blood pressure. Doses will be based on the amount needed to reach a 24-hour systolic blood pressure target of either 120 or less, or 130 or less.

Do I Qualify To Participate in This Study?

Must have:

• Mini-Mental State Examination score greater than 26 to exclude cognitive impairment or dementia
• With or without high blood pressure, defined as either 24-hour blood pressure less than 125/75 without use of antihypertensive medication or systolic blood pressure of 130 or higher (with or without blood pressure medications)
• Adequate visual and auditory ability to complete neuropsychological testing
• Screening laboratory tests and electrocardiography without significant abnormalities that might interfere with the study
• Fluent in English

Must NOT have:

• History of stroke, transient ischemic attack, traumatic brain injury, or severe cerebrovascular disease
• Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or other type of dementia and neurodegenerative disease
• Severe depression or other psychological disorder
• Unstable heart disease (heart attack/cardiac arrest, cardiac bypass procedures within past six months, congestive heart failure, evidence of atrial fibrillation, or other severe medical condition)
• Chronic kidney disease (glomerular filtration rate less than 40 ml per minute)
• Orthostatic hypotension (standing systolic blood pressure less than 100)
• History of significant autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and polymyalgia rheumatica
• Drug or alcohol abuse within the past two years
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Use of cigarettes regularly in past year
• Body mass index of 45 or higher
• Participation in another investigational drug or device study in past two months
• Carotid stent or severe stenosis (greater than 50%)
• Pacemaker or other metal medical device that prevents magnetic resonance imaging
• History of B12 deficiency or hypothyroidism (stable treatment for at least 3 months is allowed)
• Claustrophobia
• Pregnant

If I Qualify, Who Do I Contact?

Contact study personnel listed either under the general study contact or the location nearest you.

Study Contact
Wanpen Vongpatanasin, MD
214-648-3180
Wanpen.Vongpatanasin@UTSouthwestern.edu

Where Is This Study Located?

Texas
UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas, TX 75390 Recruiting

Who Sponsors This Study?

Lead: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Collaborator Sponsor

• Texas Health Resources
• Michigan State University

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03354143