An Integrated View on Vascular Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease.

An Integrated View on Vascular Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease.
Neurodegener Dis. 2020 Feb 14;:1-19
Authors: Klohs J
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cerebrovascular disease is a common comorbidity in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is believed to contribute additively to the cognitive impairment and to lower the threshold for the development of dementia. However, accumulating evidence suggests that dysfunction of the cerebral vasculature and AD neuropathology interact in multiple ways. Vascular processes even proceed AD neuropathology, implicating a causal role in the etiology of AD. Thus, the review aims to provide an integrated view on vascular dysfunction in AD.
SUMMARY: In AD, the cerebral vasculature undergoes pronounced cellular, morphological and structural changes, which alters regulation of blood flow, vascular fluid dynamics and vessel integrity. Stiffening of central blood vessels lead to transmission of excessive pulsatile energy to the brain microvasculature, causing end-organ damage. Moreover, a dysregulated hemostasis and chronic vascular inflammation further impede vascular function, where its mediators interact synergistically. Changes of the cerebral vasculature are triggered and driven by systemic vascular abnormalities that are part of aging, and which can be accelerated and aggravated by cardiovascular diseases. Key Messages: In AD, the cerebral vasculature is the locus where multiple pathogenic proces...

Source: Neuro-Degenerative Diseases - February 13, 2020 Category: Neurology Authors: Klohs J Tags: Neurodegener Dis Source Type: research