Is apolipoprotein E4 an important risk factor for vascular dementia?
1Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University Room 228, Science Building, Boise, Idaho, USA.
International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology
|August 15, 2014
Summary
Vascular dementia (VaD) is a leading cause of cognitive decline. While vascular risk factors are key, this review finds that the apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) allele may also increase VaD risk, though less than in Alzheimer's disease.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Pathology
Background:
- Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second leading cause of dementia, yet diagnostic criteria lack consensus.
- Vascular risk factors like hypertension, stroke, and diabetes are implicated in VaD etiology.
- Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is crucial for CNS cholesterol transport and linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review pathological features and risk factors for VaD.
- To critically assess the literature on whether apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) confers VaD risk.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and critical assessment of existing studies on VaD and APOE status.
Main Results:
- Vascular risk factors contribute to VaD through inflammation and cerebrovascular damage.
- The preponderance of evidence suggests APOE4 allele presence elevates VaD risk.
- APOE4's risk contribution to VaD is less pronounced than its risk for AD.
Conclusions:
- Clarifying VaD diagnostic criteria is essential.
- Understanding the role of vascular risk factors, including APOE4, is crucial for VaD prevention and treatment.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the APOE4-VaD relationship.
Keywords:
Alzheimer’s diseaseApolipoprotein E4 (APOE4)blood brain barrierinflammationneurofibrillary tanglespathologyrisk factorsvascular dementiaMore Related Videos
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