Exploring the intersection of atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease: the role of inflammation and complement

Emilia Vataja1, Giorgio Ratti2, Adrian Safa3

  • 1Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, University of Helsinki, Biomedicum 1 Haartmaninkatu 8, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.

Insights

Atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease share common risk factors and inflammatory pathways. Complement activation, a key immune response, plays a role in the pathology of both conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Cardiovascular Science

Background:

  • Atherosclerosis (AS) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are complex, multifactorial conditions sharing numerous risk factors.
  • Co-occurrence of vascular dementia with AD is observed, and many AD cases exhibit cardiovascular disease markers.
  • Shared risk factors may promote chronic inflammation, including complement activation, at sites of vascular injury or molecular aggregate accumulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential links and shared mechanisms between Alzheimer's disease and Atherosclerosis.
  • To provide a comprehensive narrative review of the bridging points connecting AD and AS.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive narrative review was conducted.
  • Literature search focused on identifying shared pathophysiological mechanisms between AD and AS.

Main Results:

  • Inflammation serves as a critical connecting pathway between Alzheimer's disease and Atherosclerosis.
  • A significant link between systemic inflammation and neuroinflammation has been established.
  • Complement system activation, a central component of innate immunity, is implicated in the pathogenesis of both AD and AS.

Conclusions:

  • Atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease share overlapping pathophysiological mechanisms.
  • Inflammation and complement system activity are key commonalities in the development of both diseases.
Abstract

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