Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026

A Phenotyping Regimen for Genetically Modified Mice Used to Study Genes Implicated in Human Diseases of Aging
Published on: July 14, 2016
The association between cognition and histamine-2 receptor antagonists in African Americans
Malaz Boustani1, Kathleen S Hall, Kathleen A Lane
1Indiana University Center for Aging Research, USA. mboustani@regenstrief.org
Objectives:
To evaluate the association between histamine-2 receptor antagonist (H2A) exposure and incident cognitive impairment in a community-based sample of African Americans.
Design:
Five-year longitudinal observational study.
Participants:
A sample of 1,558 community-dwelling African Americans aged 65 and older with no baseline cognitive impairment living in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Outcome Measure:
Incident cognitive impairment, defined as incident dementia, cognitive impairment without dementia, or poor cognitive performance, as determined using combined cognitive assessments that included the Community Screening Instrument for Dementia, a comprehensive clinical assessment including informant interview, and neuropsychological testing.
Exposure:
Trained interviewers assessed the use of prescription and over-the-counter H2As using in-home inspection of medications and report of participants and informants.
Results:
Incident cognitive impairment occurred in 275 (17.7%) participants. After controlling for age, education, baseline cognitive score, the use of anticholinergics, and history of diabetes mellitus and depression, continuous use of H2As was associated with greater risk of incident cognitive impairment than for nonusers (odds ratio=2.42; 95% confidence interval=1.17-5.04).
Conclusion:
H2As might be a risk factor for the development of cognitive impairment in African Americans. This finding requires confirmation from future studies.
Related Concept Videos
Acid Suppressive Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Histamine H2-Receptor Antagonists
Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists
Upper Respiratory Drugs: First and Second-Generation Antihistamines
Histamine binds to specific receptor sites, known as H1 receptors, on tissue cells, triggering inflammation and swelling. Antihistamines combat these effects by competing with histamine for these receptor sites. By...
Cholinergic Antagonists: Pharmacokinetics
Antiasthma Drugs: Muscarinic Receptor Antagonists
Antimuscarinic agents compete with ACh for the same binding site on the muscarinic receptors. By binding to these receptors, they inhibit the downstream effects of ACh and block the parasympathetic...
