Prazosin, a drug used to treat high blood pressure and enlargement of the prostate, could protect the brain from damage caused by Alzheimer’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and schizophrenia.

The drug, which is also prescribed as an antipsychotic medication, tends to block the increase of steroids hormones known to the world as glucocorticoids. This finding was disclosed by researchers at the Oregon Health & Science University and Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

From Sciencedaily.com:

Scientists believe stress activates a neurochemical response in the brain that triggers the release of glucocorticoids in the brain, and that high levels of glucocorticoids in blood serum are associated with such psychiatric conditions as schizophrenia, depression, PTSD and Alzheimer’s disease. This mechanism has been linked to decreases in cognitive performance in older people who are not suffering from clinical dementia.

“Our hypothesis is that just being afraid of being blown up all the time means you have high levels of steroids all the time,” Berger said, referring to PTSD among military personnel.

Low levels of glucocorticoids have anti-inflammatory effects in the brain, but high levels can trigger inflammatory mechanisms that damage nerve cells by activating an enzyme that causes oxidative stress. Even a single exposure to a high dose of glucocorticoids can be sufficient to damage nerve cells: A previous study showed synthetic glucocorticoid therapy to treat autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis can induce mood disorders, including psychosis, and cognitive impairment known as “steroid dementia” in severe forms.

The study was funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Tags: Alzheimer's disease, depression, Prazosin, schizophrenia, steroid dementia, steroids

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