Atherosclerosis: The Culprit and Co-victim of Vascular Dementia

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cardiovascular Science
• Gerontology

Background:

• Vascular dementia (VD) significantly impairs cognitive function in aging.
• Atherosclerosis (AS), a chronic inflammatory disease, is closely linked to VD.
• The integrated relationship between AS and VD requires further elucidation for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review atherosclerosis biomarkers as predictors of vascular dementia.
• To elucidate the direct mechanisms by which AS contributes to VD.
• To explore the shared risk factors and comorbidity between AS and VD.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing literature.
• Analysis of AS biomarkers in the context of VD prediction.
• Examination of five core mechanisms: vascular morphogenesis, hemodynamics, neurovascular unit damage, oxidative stress, and microRNA.
• Discrimination of common risk factors and molecular links.

Main Results:

• AS biomarkers show potential for predicting VD development.
• AS directly impacts VD through vascular changes, hemodynamic alterations, neurovascular unit damage, oxidative stress, and miRNA dysregulation.
• AS functions as both a pathogenic factor and a comorbidity in VD.

Conclusions:

• This review provides a comprehensive network of AS's role in VD.
• Identifying AS biomarkers and mechanisms offers new avenues for VD prediction and treatment.
• AS is a critical factor in the pathogenesis and progression of vascular dementia.