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Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Using Retinal Imaging to Study Dementia
Published on: November 6, 2017
Cerebrovascular disease and dementia
Velandai Srikanth1, Michael M Saling, Amanda G Thrift
1Menzies Research Institute, Hobart, Australia. velandai.srikanth@utas.edu.au
Insights
Cerebrovascular disease is linked to dementia, a common disabling condition in older adults. Understanding this link may help prevent and treat dementia more effectively.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gerontology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Cerebrovascular disease and dementia are highly prevalent, disabling disorders in the elderly.
- Previous research suggests a potential causal relationship between cerebrovascular disease and dementia.
- Clarifying this association is crucial for developing effective dementia prevention and treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize current research on the association between cerebrovascular disease and dementia.
- To explore the underlying mechanisms linking vascular factors to cognitive decline.
- To identify potential avenues for future research in this field.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological studies.
- Analysis of clinical data.
- Integration of basic science research findings.
Main Results:
- Certain manifestations of cerebrovascular disease are established causal factors for dementia.
- The exact nature and extent of the causal contribution of other cerebrovascular factors remain controversial.
- Lack of understanding hinders the identification of dementia phenotypes predominantly caused by cerebrovascular disease.
Conclusions:
- Further examination of vascular factors and dementia associations is warranted.
- The interplay between aging, vascular health, and cognitive decline requires more investigation.
- Integrating basic and clinical science is essential for clarifying these complex relationships.
Abstract:
Cerebrovascular disease and dementia are extremely prevalent and disabling disorders affecting older people. Results of previous pathological investigations and later epidemiological studies have raised the possibility that the two disorders may be causally related. The study of such causal associations may provide insights that could lead to the development of strategies intended to prevent or treat dementia more effectively. Cerebrovascular disease has many manifestations, some of which are strong causal factors in the development of a future dementia. However, uncertainty and controversy exist regarding the presence and nature of the causal contribution of others. Potential therapeutic strategies for dementia are hindered by the lack of understanding of such relationships and the consequent difficulty in identifying a clear phenotype of dementia occurring predominantly due to cerebrovascular disease. The field is ripe for further examination of the associations between vascular factors and dementia, and the mechanisms underlying such associations. The interface between basic and clinical science has much to offer in clarifying the relationships between aging, vascular factors and cognitive decline in older people. In this review, we will attempt to synthesize data available from epidemiological, clinical and basic science research in the field of dementia related to cerebrovascular disease, highlighting potential avenues for further research.
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