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Alzheimer disease: caused by primary deficiency of the cerebral blood flow

E Niedermeyer1

  • 1Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

Clinical EEG and Neuroscience
|August 26, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Alzheimer's disease may stem from primary cerebral blood flow (CBF) deficiency, not secondary to neuron death. This challenges the traditional view and suggests new treatment strategies for this neurodegenerative disorder.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Neuroscience
  • Pathophysiology

Background:

  • Alzheimer's disease (AD) is linked to reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF).
  • The prevailing theory posits CBF reduction is a secondary effect of neuronal death.
  • This study critically re-evaluates the role of CBF in AD pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the role of cerebral blood flow (CBF) in Alzheimer's disease (AD).
  • To question whether reduced CBF in AD is a cause or consequence of neuronal loss.
  • To explore the hypothesis of primary CBF deficiency in AD.

Main Methods:

  • A thorough analysis of the role of CBF in AD.
  • Examination of the temporal evolution of AD symptoms and affected brain regions.
  • Consideration of anatomical and physiological factors, including upright posture.

Main Results:

  • Alzheimer's disease exhibits declining CBF even when neuronal loss is minimal.
  • The progression of AD mirrors increasing cerebral ischemia.
  • Memory-related areas with vulnerable blood supply are affected early.

Conclusions:

  • Alzheimer's disease may result from a primary deficiency in cerebral blood flow (CBF).
  • This contrasts with the view that CBF decline is secondary to neuronal death.
  • A primary CBF deficiency, potentially linked to bipedalism, offers new therapeutic and preventive avenues.

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