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Published on: January 28, 2014
Biomarkers
1Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Insights
Age-related autonomic nervous system (ANS) changes increase blood pressure variability, which is linked to higher Alzheimer's disease and dementia risk. Further research is needed to understand this connection and its clinical implications.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiovascular Science
- Gerontology
Background:
- Autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction is associated with aging, hypertension, and increased blood pressure variability (BPV).
- Elevated BPV across various timescales (visit-to-visit, beat-to-beat) is independently linked to increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia.
- The precise relationship between ANS, BPV, and neurodegenerative diseases remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of age-related ANS changes in BPV.
- To explore the potential causal link between BPV and Alzheimer's disease.
- To determine if BPV can serve as a biomarker or therapeutic target for AD.
Main Methods:
- This study reviews existing literature on ANS function, BPV, and neurodegenerative diseases.
- It analyzes the association between preclinical AD and BPV through ANS mechanisms.
- The research examines the potential causality of BPV in AD pathogenesis.
Main Results:
- Age-related ANS alterations contribute to hypertension and heightened BPV.
- Increased BPV is a significant risk factor for AD and dementia, irrespective of average blood pressure or hypertension.
- The study highlights unanswered questions regarding the ANS-BPV-AD axis.
Conclusions:
- BPV is a critical factor associated with AD risk, potentially mediated by ANS dysfunction.
- Further investigation is required to elucidate the causal role of BPV in AD and its potential as a clinical biomarker or treatment target.
Abstract:
Age-related changes in the ANS contribute to increased blood pressure and hypertension, but may also contribute to the increase the variability in blood pressure from visit-to-visit, beat-to-beat, or even within a cardiac cycle. These fluctuations in blood pressure over various timescales have each been linked to increased risk for Alzheimer's disease and dementia, independent of average blood pressure, hypertension, or its treatment. Several questions remain as to the role and potential clinical utility of blood pressure variability. Does preclinical Alzheimer's disease lead to increased blood pressure variability through an ANS-related mechanism? Does increased blood pressure variability causally contribute to Alzheimer's disease? Can blood pressure variability serve as a biomarker or modifiable treatment target in Alzheimer's disease?
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