CBF regulation in hypertension and Alzheimer's disease

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Cardiovascular Science
• Cerebrovascular Research

Background:

• Chronic high mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) is a significant risk factor for cerebrovascular diseases.
• Cerebral blood flow (CBF) autoregulation is crucial for maintaining stable brain perfusion.
• Impairment of CBF autoregulation is increasingly linked to the development and progression of chronic cerebral conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent developments on the effects of chronic high MAP on CBF autoregulation.
• To explore the connection between impaired CBF autoregulation and chronic cerebral diseases.
• To support the notion that CBF autoregulation impairment may be a cause of chronic cerebral diseases.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review methodology was employed.
• All relevant literature known to the authors was systematically reviewed.
• Focus was placed on recent advancements in the field.

Main Results:

• Understanding of the interplay between cerebral perfusion, chronic high MAP, and cerebral disease is evolving.
• Cerebral perfusion impairment is shifting from being viewed as a result to a potential cause of cerebral diseases.
• The intertwined impact of hypertension and Alzheimer's disease (AD) on cerebrovascular sensory elements is better understood, identifying vulnerable elements.

Conclusions:

• Pathology in sensory elements plays a critical role in the intertwined mechanisms of chronic high MAP and AD.
• These mechanisms significantly impact cerebral perfusion.
• Further research into sensory element pathology may offer new therapeutic targets for hypertension and AD.