Why calcium channel blockers could be an elite choice in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease: a comprehensive review of evidences

Abstract

The universality and vitality of calcium ions are implicit from its diverse physiological functions, from regulation of enzymes to synaptic plasticity and memory. However, overloading of these ions could result in life-threatening degenerative disorders. Calcium channels, which are involved in the transport of calcium ions, are targeted and blocked to prevent its overload, favoring vascular relaxation. Besides this primary action, calcium channel blockers (CCBs) also genuinely exhibit cognitive-enhancing abilities and reduce the risk of dementia, especially of Alzheimer's type. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is triggered by the disruption of calcium homeostasis, which underlies the observed progressive cognitive decline that occurs in this neurodegenerative disorder. Fortunately, CCB is expected to offer neuroprotection and additionally demonstrate antiamyloid, antitau, antiphospholipase, antiplatelet, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity, a solitary solution to all the subcellular physiological complications that are observed in AD. Therefore, the aim of this review was to unearth the prospective of CCB against cognitive frailty with a sole purpose of elucidating CCB as cognitive enhancers, which could find its use as a drug in prevention or treatment of AD.