Repurposing common blood pressure drugs to treat Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer's disease affects more than 6 million Americans, and aging remains its greatest risk factor. While current treatments can slow progression, none stop the disease. Intriguingly, large studies of patient records suggest that people who take a common class of blood pressure medication — calcium channel blockers — develop less Alzheimer's pathology and maintain better cognitive function than those who don't. But how?
In this talk, Dr. Sarah Hopp will explain how her lab at UT Health San Antonio is working to answer that question. Using a combination of patient data, genetically engineered mouse models of Alzheimer's disease, and genetic tools that can switch off specific calcium channels in specific cell types, her team is uncovering how these widely prescribed drugs may protect the brain. Dr. Hopp will discuss what this means for the future of Alzheimer's prevention and the growing interest in repurposing existing medications for neurodegenerative disease
Registration details:
Seating goes to those who register via this vtools event in the order received; plan ahead to REGISTER.
Registration Fees:
At the door, there is a $20.00 fee for Members, $30.00 for Guests and $5.00 for Students. We accept Cash or Check, no credit cards. Exact amounts preferable. Remainder of the tab will be picked up by the EMB.
Date and Time
Location
Hosts
Registration
-
Add Event to Calendar
- Alamo Cafe (Hwy 281)
- 14250 San Pedro Ave,
- San Antonio, Texas
- United States 78232
- Room Number: Mission Room
- Starts 28 August 2026 07:06 PM UTC
- Ends 10 September 2026 01:00 PM UTC
- No Admission Charge
Speakers
Sarah of Briggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Current state of research in age-associated neurodegenerative diseases
Title: Repurposing common blood pressure drugs to treat Alzheimer’s disease
Abstract:
Alzheimer's disease affects more than 6 million Americans, and aging remains its greatest risk factor. While current treatments can slow progression, none stop the disease. Intriguingly, large studies of patient records suggest that people who take a common class of blood pressure medication — calcium channel blockers — develop less Alzheimer's pathology and maintain better cognitive function than those who don't. But how?
In this talk, Dr. Sarah Hopp will explain how her lab at UT Health San Antonio is working to answer that question. Using a combination of patient data, genetically engineered mouse models of Alzheimer's disease, and genetic tools that can switch off specific calcium channels in specific cell types, her team is uncovering how these widely prescribed drugs may protect the brain. Dr. Hopp will discuss what this means for the future of Alzheimer's prevention and the growing interest in repurposing existing medications for neurodegenerative disease.
Biography:
Sarah Hopp is a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and the Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio. She received a BS in Brain and Cognitive Sciences from MIT, a PhD in Neuroscience from Ohio State University, and postdoctoral training from Massachusetts General Hospital at Harvard Medical School. Her research has been continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health and several private foundations. Currently, her research focuses on understanding mechanisms of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease involving brain immune cells called microglia.
Agenda
11:00 - Arrival
11:30 - Lunch and presentation
12:30 - Q and A
13:00 - Adjourn