Some Hypertension, Diabetes Medications May Reduce ALS Risk

Regular use of common medications for blood pressure and diabetes management could protect against the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to new study results published in Neurological Sciences.

The systematic review and meta-analysis, conducted by a research team in China, investigated associations between standard hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes medications and ALS risk.

Regular intake of several medication types was associated with a reduced incidence of ALS. The meta-analysis reported odds ratios of 0.81 with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, 0.82 with beta-blockers, 0.85 with calcium-channel blockers, and 0.87 with diuretics.

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At 0.92, the odds ratio for ALS incidence with statin use was not significant, final results revealed.

Meanwhile, odds ratios were 0.83 with metformin and 0.79 with sulfonylureas, researchers reported, suggesting the medications may significantly reduce ALS risk.

“Regular medications for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes should be recommended regardless of the diagnosis of ALS,” study authors advised.

Reference

Hu N, Ji H. Medications on hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurol Sci. Published online May 26, 2022. doi: 10.1007/s10072-022-06131-7