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Neurotransmitter abnormalities in vascular dementia
Jenny A Court1, Elaine K Perry
1Joint MRC/Newcastle University Centre Development in Clinical Brain Ageing, Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. j.a.court@ncl.ac.uk
International Psychogeriatrics
|September 30, 2005
Summary
Neurotransmitter systems like acetylcholine and dopamine may be therapeutic targets for vascular dementia. Research indicates these systems, not neuron counts, are affected in this condition.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cerebral perfusion is modulated by neurotransmitters including acetylcholine, serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine.
- Vascular dementia is associated with reduced markers of cholinergic innervation.
- Serotonergic and dopaminergic systems may also be impacted in vascular dementia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of neurotransmitter systems in vascular dementia.
- To explore potential therapeutic targets for vascular dementia.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing data on neurotransmitter systems in vascular dementia.
- Analysis of markers of cholinergic, serotonergic, and dopaminergic innervation.
- Assessment of neuron numbers in nucleus basalis, locus coeruleus, and dorsal raphé.
- Evaluation of neurotransmitter receptor density.
Main Results:
- Consistent reductions in cholinergic innervation markers are reported in vascular dementia.
- Evidence suggests potential alterations in serotonergic and dopaminergic systems.
- Neuron counts in key brainstem nuclei and receptor density are generally not reduced.
Conclusions:
- Neurotransmitter systems represent a promising therapeutic avenue for vascular dementia.
- Targeting neurotransmitter modulation may offer a novel treatment strategy.