The close link between brain vascular pathological conditions and neurodegenerative diseases: Focus on some examples and potential treatments

• Published in: Vascular pharmacology Vol. 142; p. 106951
• Main Authors: Schirò, Giuseppe, Balistreri, Carmela Rita
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.02.2022; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Age; Alterations, dysfunctions, and related diseases of the cerobro-and/or cardiovascular system; Anomalies; Arteriosclerosis; Atherosclerosis; Blood flow; Blood-brain barrier; Blood-Brain Barrier - pathology; Brain; Brain blood barrier (BBB); Cardiovascular; Cardiovascular system; Cerebral amyloid angiopathy; Cerebral blood flow; Cognitive ability; Hemorrhage; Humans; Neurodegenerative diseases; Neurodegenerative Diseases - epidemiology; Neurodegenerative Diseases - therapy; Neurovascular unit (NVU); Potential treatments; Potential treatments; Neurodegenerative diseases; Alterations, dysfunctions, and related diseases of the cerobro-and/or cardiovascular system; Brain blood barrier (BBB); Neurovascular unit (NVU)
• ISSN: 1537-1891; 1879-3649; 1879-3649
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2021.106951

A close relationship is emerging among the age-related neurodegenerative decline, and the age-related typical alterations, dysfunctions, and related diseases of the cerobro-and/or cardiovascular system, which contributes in a significative manner to the triggering and progressing of neurodegenerative diseases (NeuroDegD). Specifically, macroinfarcts, microinfarcts, micro-hemorrhages (and particularly their number), atherosclerosis, arteriolosclerosis and cerebral amyloid angiopathy have been documented to be significantly associated with the onset of the cognitive impairment. In addition, vascular alterations and dysfunctions resulting in a reduced cerebral blood flow, and anomalies in the brain blood barrier (BBB), have been also demonstrated to contribute to NeuroDegD pathophysiologic processes. At the same time, such vascular alterations are also observed in cognitively unimpaired subjects. Here, some of these aspects are described with a particular focus on some NeuroDegD, as well as potential strategies for delaying or stopping their onset and progression. [Display omitted] •The close relationship of brain vascular dysfunction and onset of neurodegenerative diseases is emerging.•Cerebral micro-vessel diseases have been documented significantly to contribute to their onset.•The BBB and NUV dysfunction appear to have a crucial role.•.•Stem cell therapy, biosynthetic and natural compounds, physical activity, and Mediterranean diet have been described as potential strategies.•Some factors influence the effectiveness of proposed treatments.