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Vascular aspects of cognitive impairment and dementia

Maximilian Wiesmann1, Amanda J Kiliaan, Jurgen A H R Claassen

  • 11] Department of Anatomy, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Nijmegen, The Netherlands [2] Department of Geriatric Medicine, Radboud Alzheimer Centre, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism : Official Journal of the International Society of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism
|September 12, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Controlling hypertension and stroke, key factors in cognitive decline, may reduce dementia risk. Omega-3 fatty acids and blood pressure treatments show promise in preventing vascular and Alzheimer's dementia.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • Hypertension and stroke are significant risk factors for cognitive impairment and dementia, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD).
  • Both AD and VaD are preceded by cognitive impairment stages, with stroke being a primary driver of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) and VaD, and potentially predisposing to AD.
  • Hypertension, a major stroke risk factor, links to VCI and VaD, and is also an independent risk factor for AD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review research on the relationship between hypertension, stroke, and dementia.
  • To examine the impact of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-n3-FA) and antihypertensive treatments on dementia risk factors.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating hypertension, stroke, cognitive impairment, and dementia.
  • Analysis of research on the effects of LC-n3-FA and renin-angiotensin system modulators on dementia risk.

Main Results:

  • Hypertension and stroke are modifiable risk factors that significantly contribute to the burden of cognitive impairment and dementia.
  • Interventions targeting hypertension and stroke, such as LC-n3-FA intake and antihypertensive therapies, may mitigate dementia risk.

Conclusions:

  • Reducing hypertension and stroke incidence is a viable strategy for lowering the prevalence of cognitive impairment and dementia.
  • LC-n3-FA and specific antihypertensive treatments show potential in reducing the risk of VCI, VaD, and AD by addressing key risk factors.

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