Ageing as a risk factor for cerebral ischemia: Underlying mechanisms and therapy in animal models and in the clinic

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Gerontology
• Translational Medicine

Background:

• Stroke incidence decreased due to medical advances but is rising again in the elderly.
• Comorbidities worsen outcomes after cerebral ischemia (stroke).
• The aging population and associated comorbidities increase the societal burden of stroke survivors with disabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of aging and comorbidities on stroke outcomes.
• To compare animal stroke models with clinical data.
• To emphasize the need for age- and comorbidity-relevant animal models for stroke therapy development.

Main Methods:

• Literature review comparing animal stroke models and clinical data.
• Analysis of the effects of aging and age-related comorbidities on stroke outcomes.
• Synthesis of findings to inform future research and therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

• Current animal stroke models frequently do not account for age and comorbidities.
• This discrepancy may explain the failure of drugs effective in animal models to translate to human stroke survivors.
• Stroke predominantly affects elderly patients with comorbidities.

Conclusions:

• Animal models must better reflect the age and comorbidity profile of human stroke patients.
• Developing appropriate animal models is crucial for advancing stroke treatment efficacy.
• Understanding the interplay of aging, comorbidities, and stroke is essential for improving patient outcomes.