Exosomes: Mechanisms, Diagnosis, and Therapeutic Progress in Vascular Cognitive Impairment

Vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) is a cognitive impairment syndrome triggered by cerebrovascular lesions and their associated risk factors, representing the second most prevalent cognitive disorder after Alzheimer's disease (AD). Currently, there are no disease-modifying therapies available for VCID. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the study of exosomes in the context of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Given the shared pathophysiological features and underlying heterogeneity between VCID and neurodegenerative disorders, it is hypothesized that exosomes may play a critical role in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of VCID. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the study of exosomes in VCID, elaborates on the potential mechanisms by which exosomes influence the onset and progression of VCID, and highlights their promising applications in the diagnosis and treatment of the condition. In conclusion, exosome-based research offers novel perspectives and strategies for the clinical diagnosis and intervention of VCID, potentially leading to more effective options for affected patients.