Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 24, 2026
07:30
Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
Published on: April 23, 2021
2.6K
Relationship between Systemic and Cerebral Vascular Disease and Brain Structure Integrity in Normal Elderly
Mario Riverol1, James T Becker2, Oscar L López3
1Department of Neurology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Journal of Alzheimer'S Disease : JAD
|September 13, 2014
Summary
Kidney small vessel disease (SVD), indicated by elevated cystatin C, predicts brain damage like white matter lesions and gray matter loss. This suggests kidney health impacts brain structure and cognitive decline risk.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Nephrology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Cerebral white matter lesions (WMLs) reflect small vessel disease (SVD) and are linked to brain volume reduction.
- Kidneys are sensitive to vascular changes; glomerular dysfunction indicates renal vascular damage.
- Cystatin C is a more accurate marker of glomerular filtration rate than creatinine in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if kidney SVD manifestations predict brain SVD-related damage.
- To examine the association between glomerular dysfunction and WMLs, gray matter (GM) volume, and cognition.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 735 cognitively normal participants from the Cardiovascular Health Study Cognition Study.
- Multivariate analyses controlled for demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, and lifestyle variables.
- Assessment of cystatin C levels, WMLs, GM volume, brain infarcts, and cognitive test scores.
Main Results:
- Elevated cystatin C correlated with poorer cognitive scores, brain infarcts, and increased WMLs severity.
- Higher cystatin C was linked to GM atrophy five years later.
- The association between cystatin C and GM volume was mediated by BMI and WML severity.
Conclusions:
- Age-related SVD affects brain structure, increasing vulnerability to cognitive decline.
- Kidney SVD markers may predict brain structural changes and cognitive impairment.
- Cystatin C serves as a potential indicator of SVD progression in both kidney and brain.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Dementia l: Introduction
29
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...
29
01:22Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
7
Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this...
7
01:26Arteries of the Head and Neck
4.2K
The human body's intricate network of arteries ensures that every organ system receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients for optimal function. The arterial network in the head and neck region is particularly complex, providing vital blood flow to the brain, eyes, and other critical structures. Prominent arteries in this region include the internal carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries.
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
4.2K
01:29Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
8
A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
8
01:30Cognitive Development During Adulthood
1.4K
Cognitive development continues throughout adulthood, undergoing significant shifts across early, middle, and late stages. Individual transition occurs from adolescent idealism to pragmatic and adaptable thinking in early adulthood. During this period, individuals learn to integrate personal beliefs with the recognition that other perspectives are equally valid. Exposure to the complexities of modern society, diverse experiences, and higher education contribute to this adaptive thought process,...
1.4K
01:23Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology
16
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...
16