Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Motor and Hippocampal Dependent Spatial Learning and Reference Memory Assessment in a Transgenic Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease with Stroke
09:45

Motor and Hippocampal Dependent Spatial Learning and Reference Memory Assessment in a Transgenic Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease with Stroke

Published on: March 22, 2016

Vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease - are we in a dead-end road?

Margherita Cavalieri1, Christian Enzinger, Katja Petrovic

  • 1Division of Special Neurology, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.

Neuro-Degenerative Diseases
|February 23, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Vascular brain lesions significantly impact cognitive function in dementia, especially Alzheimer's disease (AD). An integrated approach is crucial for effective dementia trial planning and treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Neuroscience
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • Current diagnostic criteria for vascular dementia often overlook the common co-occurrence of vascular brain lesions in Alzheimer's disease (AD).
  • Even subtle vascular lesions can significantly affect cognitive function when present alongside AD pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Advocate for an integrative dementia concept that incorporates the vascular component.
  • Highlight the vascular component's importance in clinical trial design and disease modification across the dementia spectrum.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focused on identifying surrogate markers for assessing vascular brain damage in dementia.

Main Results:

  • Longitudinal changes in white matter lesion volume are the most validated surrogate marker for the vascular component in dementia.
  • Lacunes and microbleeds show poor validation as surrogate endpoints.
  • Brain volume loss is a relevant secondary outcome, though its vascular origin is unclear.

Conclusions:

  • Focusing solely on pure vascular dementia detracts from the critical role of vascular factors in mixed dementia.
  • Incorporating vascular aspects into clinical trials will enhance pathophysiological understanding and treatment options for dementia.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Using Retinal Imaging to Study Dementia09:17

Using Retinal Imaging to Study Dementia

Published on: November 6, 2017

A Visual Approach for Inducing Dolichoectasia in Mice to Model Large Vessel-Mediated Cerebrovascular Dysfunction04:29

A Visual Approach for Inducing Dolichoectasia in Mice to Model Large Vessel-Mediated Cerebrovascular Dysfunction

Published on: May 17, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Dementia l: Introduction01:22

Dementia l: Introduction

Dementia is an acquired, progressive syndrome characterized by a decline in multiple cognitive domains severe enough to impair daily functioning and reduce independence. Although memory loss is a central feature, the diagnosis requires additional deficits involving language, executive function, visuospatial skills, judgment, calculation, or abstract reasoning. These cognitive impairments reflect underlying neurodegenerative or vascular processes that gradually disrupt neuronal networks...
Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction01:29

Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction

Alzheimer disease is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia in older adults. It leads to gradual neuronal loss, causing cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and loss of functional independence.Risk Factors and EtiologyThe disease is multifactorial. Age is the strongest risk factor, with prevalence doubling every 5 years after age 65. Genetic factors include mutations in genes such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, which are associated...
Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology01:23

Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology

Alzheimer disease involves structural changes in the brain that begin long before symptoms appear. The most distinctive features are extracellular neuritic plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles.Neuritic plaques form in the cerebral cortex and around blood vessels. These plaques contain a dense core of beta-amyloid (Aβ)—a toxic protein fragment that clumps outside neurons. The core is surrounded by damaged neuronal extensions, as well as reactive astrocytes and microglia. Abnormal...
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview01:26

Alzheimer's Disease: Overview

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
Dementia01:30

Dementia

Dementia is a collective term for cognitive disorders primarily affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is not a specific disease but a syndrome, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects millions worldwide, particularly older adults, though it is not a normal part of aging.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual.
Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment01:22

Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment

Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is pathologically identified by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau protein. AD pharmacotherapy aims to manage cognitive symptoms, delay disease progression, and treat behavioral symptoms. The treatment is primarily symptomatic and palliative, with no definitive disease-modifying therapy available. Cholinesterase inhibitors, including donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne), are...