[Association between Cerebral Small Vessel and Alzheimer's Disease]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Radiology
• Biochemistry

Context:

• Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
• Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) encompasses various cerebrovascular lesions detectable via MRI.
• Emerging evidence suggests a significant link between vascular health and AD pathogenesis.

Purpose:

• To review the current understanding of the association between CSVD and AD.
• To explore the relationship between CSVD, AD, and key AD biomarkers (amyloid-beta and tau).
• To highlight the potential therapeutic implications of targeting vascular factors in AD.

Summary:

• CSVD lesions on MRI, including white matter hyperintensities and microbleeds, are associated with amyloid and tau pathology in AD.
• The review details CSVD pathogenesis and characteristic MR imaging findings.
• The interplay between vascular changes and neurodegeneration in AD is examined.

Impact:

• Provides a comprehensive overview for researchers and clinicians.
• Emphasizes the importance of vascular contributions to AD.
• Informs potential therapeutic strategies for AD by focusing on vascular interventions.