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Updated: Feb 12, 2026

Investigating von Willebrand Factor Pathophysiology Using a Flow Chamber Model of von Willebrand Factor-platelet String Formation
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Von Willebrand factor and ADAMTS13 activity in relation to risk of dementia: a population-based study

Frank J Wolters1,2, Johan Boender3, Paul S de Vries4

  • 1Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Scientific Reports
|April 5, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Higher Von Willebrand factor (VWF) and low ADAMTS13 activity are linked to dementia risk. Low ADAMTS13 activity showed a consistent association with dementia over time, especially in individuals with diabetes.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Cardiovascular health influences cognitive decline.
  • The roles of Von Willebrand factor (VWF) and ADAMTS13 in dementia risk are not well understood.
  • Low ADAMTS13 activity is linked to cardiovascular disease via VWF proteolysis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between VWF and ADAMTS13 levels and the risk of dementia.
  • To explore potential interactions between VWF, ADAMTS13, and dementia risk over time.
  • To examine the modifying effect of diabetes on these associations.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of VWF antigen and ADAMTS13 activity in 6055 participants from the Rotterdam Study (1997-2002).
  • Assessment of dementia prevalence at baseline and incidence over 15 years of follow-up.
  • Statistical modeling to evaluate associations and interactions, adjusting for potential confounders.

Main Results:

  • Higher VWF was associated with dementia prevalence and short-term risk, but this association attenuated over time.
  • Low ADAMTS13 activity was consistently associated with an increased risk of dementia throughout the follow-up period.
  • The association between low ADAMTS13 activity and dementia risk was modified by diabetes, indicating a stronger effect in diabetic individuals.

Conclusions:

  • Both higher VWF and low ADAMTS13 activity are associated with an increased risk of dementia.
  • The distinct temporal patterns and lack of synergistic effects suggest partially independent underlying mechanisms.
  • Low ADAMTS13 activity may represent a significant risk factor for dementia, particularly in the context of diabetes.

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