Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026

In Vitro Assays to Assess Blood-brain Barrier Mesh-like Vessel Formation and Disruption
Published on: June 20, 2017
Linking vascular disorders and Alzheimer's disease: potential involvement of BACE1
1Northwestern University, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, 303 E. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. s-cole4@northwestern.edu
Abstract:
The etiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains unknown. However, specific risk factors have been identified, and aging is the strongest AD risk factor. The majority of cardiovascular events occur in older people and a close relationship between vascular disorders and AD exists. Amyloid plaques, composed of the beta amyloid peptide (Abeta), are hallmark lesions in AD and evidence indicates that Abeta plays a central role in AD pathophysiology. The BACE1 enzyme is essential for Abeta generation, and BACE1 levels are elevated in AD brain. The cause(s) of this BACE1 elevation remains undetermined. Here we review the potential contribution of vascular disease to AD pathogenesis. We examine the putative vasoactive properties of Abeta and how the cellular changes associated with vascular disease may elevate BACE1 levels. Despite increasing evidence, the exact role(s) vascular disorders play in AD remains to be determined. However, given that vascular diseases can be addressed by lifestyle and pharmacologic interventions, the potential benefits of these therapies in delaying the clinical appearance and progression of AD may warrant investigation.
Related Concept Videos
Dementia l: Introduction
Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment

