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Cardiovascular influence on cognitive decline: The heart's role in neurodegenerative disorders
Gargi Gautam1, Nasrollah Moradikor2
1Department of Medicine, Georgian National University SEU, Tbilisi, Georgia.
Insights
Cardiovascular health is crucial for cognitive function, impacting brain perfusion and vascular integrity. Managing risks like hypertension and diabetes can slow neurodegeneration and prevent cognitive decline.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Cognitive performance is intrinsically linked to cardiovascular health.
- Vascular integrity and brain perfusion are vital for preventing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between cardiovascular conditions and neurovascular coupling (NVC).
- To explore the impact of cardiovascular risk factors on neurodegeneration and dementia.
- To discuss interventions for managing cognitive decline.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical and epidemiological data.
- Analysis of mechanisms linking cardiovascular disease to dementia.
- Discussion of risk factors including atrial fibrillation, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia.
Main Results:
- Cardiovascular diseases compromise cerebral microvasculature, increasing dementia risk.
- Chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction contribute to neurodegeneration.
- Atherosclerosis and heart failure exacerbate neuronal damage.
Conclusions:
- Maintaining vascular health is essential for cognitive function and slowing neurodegenerative disease progression.
- Early intervention through lipid management, blood pressure control, and anticoagulants is key.
- Precision medicine and neurovascular-targeted therapies offer promising avenues for prevention and management.
Abstract:
Cognitive performance is greatly influenced by cardiovascular health, as vascular integrity and brain perfusion are directly related to diseases including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and vascular dementia. Examining the intricate relationship between the heart and brain, this chapter highlights how atrial fibrillation, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia affect neurovascular coupling (NVC). Chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction are some of the risk factors that lead to neurodegeneration. The cerebral microvasculature is further compromised by atherosclerosis and heart failure, which exacerbates neuronal damage and increases the risk of dementia. Supported by clinical and epidemiological data, the discussion delves into the mechanisms behind vascular dementia and the vascular contributions to Alzheimer's disease. Slowing cognitive deterioration requires early intervention through lipid management, blood pressure control, and anticoagulant medication. Additionally, developments in precision medicine and neurovascular-targeted therapies present encouraging paths toward management and prevention. Through the discussion of modifiable cardiovascular risks, this chapter emphasizes how vital vascular health is to maintaining cognitive function and slowing the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
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