Alzheimer's disease: more than amyloid
Stanley H Chew1, M Meighan Smith Tomic, Anthony T W Cheung
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation
|September 21, 2010
Summary
This case study demonstrates that worsening vasculopathy correlates with Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression. Whole blood viscosity (WBV) and computer-assisted intravital microscopy (CAIM) can track AD-related vascular changes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Biology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) etiology remains unclear, with amyloid-targeted treatments showing limited success.
- Emerging evidence suggests a significant pathogenic role for vasculopathy in AD.
- Investigating vascular contributions offers a novel therapeutic avenue for AD.
Observation:
- This study utilized longitudinal measurements of whole blood viscosity (WBV) and computer-assisted intravital microscopy (CAIM) to quantify vasculopathy in AD patients.
- A single AD patient was monitored over four years (2005-2008) using these noninvasive techniques.
- Microvascular abnormalities were assessed using a severity index (SI) in the bulbar conjunctiva.
Findings:
- A direct correlation was observed between increased Alzheimer's disease severity and worsened vasculopathy.
- The case report illustrates the utility of WBV and CAIM in objectively quantifying vascular changes in AD.
- Disease progression in the AD patient was mirrored by deteriorating vascular health.
Implications:
- These findings support a pathogenic role for vasculopathy in Alzheimer's disease, potentially acting alongside the amyloid cascade.
- WBV and CAIM are presented as valuable tools for monitoring AD progression and vascular health.
- Further research into vascular-centric treatments for AD is warranted.
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