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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
05:41
Non-invasive Assessment of Microvascular and Endothelial Function
Published on: January 29, 2013
Peripheral vascular function, including endothelium-dependent measures, and dementia risk: The Framingham Heart Study
Qiushan Tao1, Jingyan Han2, Ting Fang Alvin Ang3
1Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Summary
Poor vascular function, measured by flow-mediated dilation (FMD%) and reactive hyperemia (RH), is linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia. These vascular measures may predict AD and related brain changes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cardiology
- Gerontology
Background:
- The link between peripheral vascular health and Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk is not well understood.
- Endothelial function is a key aspect of vascular health that may influence cognitive decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD%) and reactive hyperemia (RH) with incident AD dementia.
- To explore the relationship between vascular function markers and AD biomarkers, brain imaging, and cognitive decline.
Main Methods:
- 2844 dementia-free participants underwent baseline FMD% and RH measurements.
- Participants were followed for incident AD over a median of 17 years.
- Plasma biomarkers and brain MRI were assessed.
Main Results:
- Lower FMD% and RH were associated with increased risk of AD dementia.
- Poor vascular function correlated with elevated AD biomarkers, reduced brain volumes, and white matter injury.
- These associations were more pronounced in individuals with higher C-reactive protein levels.
Conclusions:
- Impaired FMD% and RH may serve as prognostic biomarkers for cerebrovascular pathology.
- Endothelial dysfunction in the AD brain might be indicated by poor vascular function measures.
- Vascular health is a potential target for AD prevention strategies.
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