Present state of hemorheology

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Hematology
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Hemorheological disturbances affect over 50% of patients with cerebrovascular disease (CVD).
• Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is inversely related to blood viscosity.
• Interactions between vessel wall changes, blood viscosity, and plasma fibrinogen are crucial in CVD pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of hemorheological changes in cerebrovascular disease (CVD).
• To investigate the presence of hemorheological alterations in neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
• To assess the potential of hemorheological parameters in differentiating Parkinson's disease subtypes.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on hemorheology in neurological disorders.
• Analysis of the relationship between blood viscosity, cerebral blood flow, and plasma fibrinogen.
• Comparison of hemorheological profiles in cerebrovascular disease, senile dementia of Alzheimer type (SDAT), and Parkinson's disease.

Main Results:

• Acute ischemic episodes in CVD are linked to hyperaggregable platelets, increased blood viscosity, hyperaggregable red cells, and elevated plasma fibrinogen.
• Hemorheological changes are observed not only in CVD but also in senile dementia of Alzheimer type (SDAT).
• Similar hemorheological alterations can be present in certain cases of Parkinson's disease.

Conclusions:

• Hemorheological disturbances are a significant factor in cerebrovascular disease.
• The presence of hemorheological changes in SDAT and Parkinson's disease suggests a potential link with vascular contributions to these conditions.
• Hemorheological assessment may aid in distinguishing between idiopathic parkinsonism and Parkinson's disease with high hemodynamic risk.