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Diabetes, cognitive function, and the blood-brain barrier.
1Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA. jhuber@hsc.wvu.edu
Current Pharmaceutical Design
|August 5, 2008
Summary
Diabetes mellitus significantly impacts blood vessels, increasing risks for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. This review explores how diabetes affects the brain
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is a systemic disease impacting vasculature, increasing risks for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions.
- Both large and small blood vessels are affected, with microangiopathy (small vessel dysfunction) driving diabetes-related disabilities.
- Increased incidences of vascular dementia and potential links to Alzheimer's disease are noted in diabetic individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the relationship between diabetes mellitus and cognitive changes.
- To focus on the role of cerebral microvascular alterations and blood-brain barrier dysfunction in cognitive decline.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical evidence and scientific communications.
- Analysis of the impact of diabetes on cerebral microvasculature.
- Examination of blood-brain barrier structure and function in the context of diabetes.
Main Results:
- Diabetes mellitus affects both macrovascular and microvascular systems.
- Endothelial dysfunction in microangiopathy is a key factor in diabetes complications.
- Cerebral microvascular changes and blood-brain barrier alterations are implicated in cognitive impairment in diabetics.
Conclusions:
- Diabetes mellitus poses significant risks to cerebral microvasculature.
- Alterations in blood-brain barrier structure and function may contribute to long-term cognitive decline in diabetes.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the impact of diabetes on the brain.
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