The journal Aging, referred to in MEDLINE/PubMed as “Aging (Albany NY)” and as “Aging-US” by Web of Science, recently published a review in Volume 16, Issue 10, under the title “Peripheral vascular dysfunction and the aging brain.”
Ageing stands as the predominant non-modifiable risk factor for numerous diseases, notably cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which are the principal cause of death globally. In this new review, researchers Devin Wahl and Zachary S. Clayton from Colorado State University and the University of Colorado highlight compelling evidence that CVD is a significant factor in diminishing brain health and increasing the incidence of all-cause dementia as age progresses.
The review elucidates that CVD is intricately connected with both peripheral and cerebral vascular dysfunction, which are significant factors in the onset and advancement of all forms of dementia. These dysfunctions are primarily propelled by heightened levels of oxidative stress, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS).
There is growing evidence that various fundamental ageing mechanisms, or the so-called “hallmarks” of ageing, which include chronic low-grade inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, and deregulated nutrient sensing, play a critical role in the excessive production of ROS. These mechanisms are prevalent in both peripheral and cerebral vascular dysfunction. Consequently, addressing these mechanisms to mitigate ROS-induced oxidative stress and enhance vascular function in the periphery and brain could be a practical approach to lower the risk of dementia associated with ageing. Explorations into how lifestyle modifications like aerobic exercise, dietary changes, and specific pharmacological interventions—both natural and synthetic—interact with these ageing hallmarks to bolster vascular health could offer a promising avenue for mitigating dementia risk in the elderly.
The principal aim of this review is to dissect the mechanistic relationships between peripheral vascular dysfunction, cerebral vascular dysfunction, and the decline in brain health associated with ageing. Providing insights into these connections and evaluating non-invasive methods to assess vascular health in ageing individuals may pave the way for novel strategies in evaluating dementia risk among older adults.
More information: Devin Wahl et al, Peripheral vascular dysfunction and the aging brain, Aging-US. DOI: 10.1007/s00394-023-03123-x
Journal information: Aging-US Provided by Impact Journals LLC
