Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study

40 years to 65 years

Genders Eligible for Study

Both

Keywords

Alzheimers Disease and Hypertension

Sponsors

Other

University of Wisconsin, Madison

Inclusion Criteria

- Between the ages of 40 and 65

- Mean resting blood pressure between 130-160 systolic and 85-100 diastolic

- Parent with Alzheimer's Disease

Exclusion Criteria

- Current involvement in another investigational drug trial.

- Potassium > 5.0

- Dementia based on DSMIV criteria

- MMSE < 27

- Current blood pressure medication (< 4 months from screening)

- Weight loss medication

- Contraindications for LP

- Know diagnosis or history of hospitalization due to congestive heart failure

- Elevated creatinine (females > 1.3 mg/dL or males > 1.4 mg/dL at baseline)

- Diabetes Type I and II

- Know adverse reaction to an ACE-I or an angiotensin receptor blocker

- Pregnant of nursing women

Detailed Description

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) are a group of blood pressure-lowering medicines. Some studies suggest that ACE-I, such as ramipril, may help prevent Alzheimer's disease (AD). The purpose of the research is to see how ramipril affects a substance in the body called beta-amyloid. Beta-amyloid is found in the brain and in the liquid around the brain and spinal cord. High amounts of beta-amyloid may be associated with a greater risk of getting Alzheimer's disease. This study will see if ramipril can lower the amount of beta-amyloid in the spinal fluid. This study will also see if ramipril affects blood vessel function and memory and thinking. The investigators hope that future studies will show whether ramipril might prevent memory loss and decrease the chance of developing Alzheimer's disease.