Association between risk factors for vascular dementia and adiponectin

Association between a healthy lifestyle and dementia in older adults with obesity: A prospective study in the UK biobank

BACKGROUND

The impact of adherence to low-risk lifestyle factors on dementia risk in individuals with obesity remains unclear. We aimed to explore the association between healthy lifestyles with dementia in obese participants.

METHODS

Dementia-free participants from the UK Biobank, aged 50 years or older with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) at baseline were included. A weighted healthy lifestyle score was calculated incorporating both traditional and emerging lifestyle factors. The primary outcome was all-cause dementia and its subtypes (Alzheimer's disease and Vascular dementia). Cox regression models analyzed the association between healthy lifestyle scores and dementia risk. Restricted cubic splines tested the dose-response. We also examined the effect of lifestyle scores on dementia risk in individuals with normal weight and overweight.

RESULTS

A total of 54,365 participants were included at baseline. During a median follow-up of 14.4 years, 1271 participants developed all-cause dementia, including 537 cases of Alzheimer's disease and 343 cases of vascular dementia. A 20 % increase in the lifestyle score was associated with a 7 % reduction in dementia risk (HR: 0.93; 95 % CI: 0.91,0.96) and a 4 % reduction in Alzheimer's disease risk (HR: 0.96; 95 % CI: 0.92,1.00). The association was stronger in overweight and obese participants. No significant link was found for vascular dementia.

LIMITATIONS

Information on lifestyle behaviors was self-reported and might be prone to measurement error.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to a healthy lifestyle may reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease in older obese individuals, with a stronger effect observed in those with higher lifestyle scores.

Vascular and glymphatic dysfunction as drivers of cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease: Insights from computational approaches

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is driven by complex interactions between vascular dysfunction, glymphatic system impairment, and neuroinflammation. Vascular aging, characterized by arterial stiffness and reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF), disrupts the pulsatile forces necessary for glymphatic clearance, exacerbating amyloid-beta (Aβ) accumulation and cognitive decline. This review synthesizes insights into the mechanistic crosstalk between these systems and explores their contributions to AD pathogenesis. Emerging machine learning (ML) tools, such as DeepLabCut and Motion sequencing (MoSeq), offer innovative solutions for analyzing multimodal data and enhancing diagnostic precision. Integrating ML with imaging and behavioral analyses bridges gaps in understanding vascular-glymphatic dysfunction. Future research must prioritize these interactions to develop early diagnostics and targeted interventions, advancing our understanding of neurovascular health in AD.

Design, Synthesis, and Anti-Inflammatory Activity Evaluation of Novel Indanone Derivatives for the Treatment of Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia (VaD) is a neurodegenerative disease resulting from cerebral vascular obstruction, leading to cognitive impairment, and currently lacks effective treatment options. Due to its complex pathogenesis, multi-target drug design (MTDLs) strategies are considered among the most promising therapeutic approaches. In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of novel indanone derivatives targeting targets related to vascular health and dementia. The results indicated that compound C5 exhibited excellent acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity (IC50 =1.16 0.41 μM) and anti-platelet aggregation activity (IC50 =4.92±0.10 μM) within ranges of 0.1-1000 μM and 0.03-300 μM, respectively, possibly mediated by molecular docking interactions. Furthermore, compound C5 demonstrated protective effects on cells at concentrations ≤50 μM, significantly reducing the release of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) in a concentration-dependent manner, showcasing its potent neuroinflammatory inhibitory effects. Anti-inflammatory therapies are regarded as effective strategies for treating VaD. Therefore, compound C5 holds promise as a novel candidate drug for further investigation into the treatment of vascular dementia.

Association between Visceral Fat Content and Obesity-Related Indicators with Cognitive Impairment after Intracerebral Hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, often leading to long-term cognitive impairment that significantly diminishes the quality of life. This study investigated the relationship between visceral fat content, obesity-related indicators, and cognitive dysfunction following ICH.

METHODS

A total of 388 subjects with ICH who were admitted to the Neurosurgery Department of the Hospital and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in this study. Obesity-related indicators, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), were measured. L3 level images were obtained by abdominal computerized tomography (CT). The visceral fat content was estimated using IMAGE J software, and adiponectin levels were assessed via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used to evaluate the cognitive level of patients within 2 weeks of onset, and the shortened version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (miniMoCA) was used to evaluate the cognitive level of patients 6 months after ICH. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to analyze the correlations of BMI, WC, WHtR, abdominal fat, and adiponectin with cognitive impairment after ICH.

RESULTS

BMI, WC, and WHtR were lower in the cognitive impairment group (p < 0.01). Overweight patients exhibited higher MMSE scores than normal-weight patients (p < 0.05) and higher miniMoCA scores than obese patients (p = 0.014). Abdominal obesity, assessed by WC and WHtR, was associated with higher MMSE scores (p = 0.022 and 0.003, respectively). Multivariate analysis indicated that WHtR was associated with cognitive impairment risk post-ICH (odds ratio (OR) = 0.233, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.071, 0.762); p = 0.016). Although no overall association was found between adiponectin levels and cognitive impairment, subgroup analysis revealed lower adiponectin levels in overweight patients with cognitive impairment (p = 0.040).

CONCLUSION

WHtR is independently and inversely associated with cognitive impairment after ICH. There is no significant correlation between adiponectin with cognitive impairment after ICH, while subgroup analysis indicates that adiponectin levels are lower in overweight patients with cognitive impairment.

Comorbidities in patients with vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease with Neuropsychiatric symptoms

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to examine baseline risk factors in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Vascular dementia (VaD) patients with neuropsychiatry symptoms (NPS), and determine whether specific risk factors differ by subtypes of dementia for AD and VaD patients with NPS.

METHODS

A retrospective data analysis was conducted to evaluate similarities and differences in the risk factors for AD and VaD with NPS. The analysis included 2949 patients with VaD and 6341 patients with clinical confirmation of AD and VaD with or without NPS collected between February 2016 and August 2021. The multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors associated with AD and VaD with NPS, by predicting the increasing odds (odds ratios (ORs) of an association of a specific baseline risk factor with AD or VaD with NPS. The validity of the regression models was tested using a Hosmer-Lemeshow test, while the Receiver Operating Curve (ROC) was used to test the sensitivity of the models.

RESULTS

In the adjusted analysis TSH (OR = 1.781, 95 % CI, p = 0.0025) and CHF (OR = 1.620, 95 %, p = 0.016) were associated with VaD with NPS, while a history of emergency department(ED) admission (OR = 0.277, 95 % CI, p = 0.003) likely to be associated with VaD patients without NPS. For AD patients, a history of CVA (OR = 1.395, 95 % CI, p = 0.032) and cancer (OR = 1.485, 95 % CI, p = 0.013) were associated with AD patients with NPS.

DISCUSSION

The findings of this study indicate that an abnormal thyroid gland and CHF were linked to VaD patients with behavioral disturbances, while CVA and cancer were linked to AD patients with behavioral disturbances. These findings suggest the need to develop management strategies for the care of patients with AD and VaD with NPS.

Neuropeptides as Potential Biomarkers in Vascular Dementia

Neuropeptides are endogenous active substances within the central and peripheral nervous systems that play important roles in a wide range of brain functions, including metabolism, food intake, social behavior, reproduction, learning, sleep, and wakefulness. This article reviews recent advances in the involvement of neuropeptides in vascular dementia. Neuropeptides are present in the brain as chemical signals and last for nearly 50 years. Peptide hormones are chemical signals of the endocrine system. Thus, neuropeptides are the most diverse class of signaling molecules in the brain, involving the genomes of many mammals, encoding neuropeptide precursors and many bioactive neuropeptides. Here the aim is to describe the recent advances in classical neuropeptides, as well as putative neuropeptides from other families, in the control of or as diagnostic tools for vascular dementia. Additionally, its molecular mechanisms are described to explore new avenues of treatment and early diagnosis, as there is increasing evidence that dysregulation of vascular processes is associated with different pathological conditions.

The relationship between atherosclerosis and dementia

OBJECTIVE

The main objective is to confirm a hypothesis that atherosclerosis, through various mechanisms, considerably influences cognitive impairment and significantly increases the risk for developing dementia. Complete sample should be 920 individuals. The present study aimed to analyse epidemiological data from a questionnaire survey.

METHODS

The work was carried out in the form of an epidemiological case control study. Subjects are enrolled in the study based on results of the following examinations carried out in neurology departments and outpatient centres during the project NU20-09-00119 from 2020 to 2023. Respondents were divided into four research groups according to the results of clinical examination for the presence of atherosclerosis and dementia. The survey was mainly concerned with risk factors for both atherosclerosis and dementia. It contained questions on lifestyle factors, cardiovascular risk factors, leisure activities, and hobbies.

RESULTS

Analysis of the as yet incomplete sample of 877 subjects has yielded the following selected results: on average, 16% of subjects without dementia had primary education while the proportion was 45.2% in the group with both dementia and atherosclerosis. Subjects with dementia did mainly physical work. Low physical activity was more frequently noted in dementia groups (Group 2 - 54.4% and Group 3 - 47.2%) than in subjects without dementia (Group 1 - 19.6% and Group 4 - 25.8%). Coronary heart disease was more frequently reported by dementia patients (33.95%) than those without dementia (16.05%).

CONCLUSION

Cognitively impaired individuals, in particular those with vascular cognitive impairment, have poorer quality of life and shorter survival. Risk factors contributing to such impairment are similar to those for ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke. It may be concluded that most of the analysed risk factors play a role in the development of both atherosclerosis and dementia.

Impact of prescribed opioid use on development of dementia among patients with chronic non-cancer pain

We aimed to examine the association between opioid use and the development of dementia in patients with chronic non-cancer pain in South Korea. Data were extracted from the National Health Insurance Service database in South Korea. Adult patients diagnosed with musculoskeletal diseases with chronic non-cancer pain between 2010 and 2015 were included in the analysis. Patients who were prescribed opioids regularly and continuously for ≥ 90 days were classified as opioid users. In total, 1,261,682 patients with chronic non-cancer pain were included in the final analysis, of whom 21,800 (1.7%) were opioid users. From January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020, 35,239 (2.8%) patients with chronic non-cancer pain were newly diagnosed with dementia. In the multivariable model, opioid users showed a 15% higher risk of developing dementia than the control group. Additionally, opioid users showed a 15% and 16% higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and unspecified dementia, respectively, than the control group, but did not show any significant differences for vascular dementia. Among adult patients with chronic non-cancer pain, opioid users were at a higher risk of developing dementia than the control group; the risk was significantly higher for Alzheimer's disease but not for vascular dementia in this study. Our results suggest that in patients with CNCP, public health strategies should target opioid users for early dementia detection and intervention.

Differences in pharmacologic and demographic factors in male and female patients with vascular dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and mixed vascular dementia

Background

Increasing evidence suggests that demographic and pharmacologic factors may play a significant role in the epidemiology of dementia. Sex differences in prevalence also depend on dementia subtypes, such as Alzheimer's dementia (AD), vascular dementia (VaD), and mixed vascular-Alzheimer's dementia (MVAD). Therefore, studies are needed to investigate sex-specific differences, and identify potential therapeutic targets for both sexes.

Methods

Data was collected from the Prisma Health-Upstate Alzheimer's registry from 2016 to 2021 for 6,039 VaD patients, 9,290 AD patients, and 412 MVAD patients. A logistic regression was used to determine demographic and pharmacological factors associated with gender differences in patients with VaD, AD, and MVAD.

Results

In patients with VaD, African Americans (OR = 1.454, 95% CI, 1.257-1.682, p < 0.001) with increasing age (OR = 1.023, 95% CI, 1.017-1.029, p < 0.001), treated with aripiprazole (OR = 4.395, 95% CI, 2.880-6.707, p < 0.001), were associated with females, whereas patients treated with galantamine (OR = 0.228, 95% CI, 0.116-0.449, p < 0.001), memantine (OR = 0.662, 95% CI, 0.590-0.744, p < 0.001), with a history of tobacco (OR = 0.312, 95% CI, 0.278-0.349, p < 0.001), and ETOH (OR = 0.520, 95% CI, 0.452-0.598, p < 0.001) were associated with males. Among AD patients, African Americans (OR = 1.747, 95% CI, 1.486-2.053, p < 0.001), and Hispanics (OR = 3.668, 95% CI, 1.198-11.231, P = 0.023) treated with buspirone (OR = 1.541, 95% CI, 1.265-1.878, p < 0.001), and citalopram (OR = 1.790, 95% CI, 1.527-2.099, p < 0.001), were associated with females, whereas patients treated with memantine (OR = 0.882, 95% CI, 0.799-0.974, p = 0.013), and with a history of tobacco (OR = 0.247, 95% CI, 0.224-0.273, p < 0.001), and ETOH (OR = 0.627, 95% CI, 0.547-0.718, p < 0.001) were associated with male AD patients. In patients with MVAD, rivastigmine (OR = 3.293, 95% CI, 1.131-9.585, p = 0.029), memantine (OR = 2.816, 95% CI, 1.534-5.168, p < 0.001), and risperidone (OR = 10.515, 95% CI, 3.409-32.437, p < 0.001), were associated with females while patients with an increased length of stay (OR = 0.910, 95% CI, 0.828-1.000, p = 0.049), with a history of tobacco (OR = 0.148, 95% CI, 0.086-0.254, p < 0.001) and ETOH use (OR = 0.229, 95% CI, 0.110-0.477, p < 0.001) were more likely to be associated with males.

Conclusions

Our study revealed gender differences and similarities in the demographic and pharmacological factors of VaD, AD, and MVAD. Prospective studies are needed to determine the role of demographic and pharmacological factors in reducing sex-based disparities among VaD, AD, and MVAD patients.

Collocation of metformin and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor is associated with increased risk of diabetes-related vascular dementia: A single hospital study in Northern Taiwan

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have established a close link between diabetes mellitus (DM) and an increased risk of vascular dementia (VD). In this study, we evaluated the risk of VD in patients with type 2 diabetes who were on antidiabetic medications.

METHODS

There is a growing interest in observational and data-driven studies to answer specific research questions for defined populations. In line with this, 67,281 patients (age range, 61.95 ± 13.88 years; length of follow up, 3.2 ± 3.4 years) diagnosed with DM were divided into two groups:48,072 subjects who had not used dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) medication and 19,209 subjects who had taken DPP-4 medication. Each patient underwent follow-up examination after the date of the latest diagnosis.

RESULTS

Among 10,884 DM patients with dementia, the combination therapy of metformin and DPP-4 inhibitor may increase the risk of dementia compared with that in the control group (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.15; p ≤ 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In this study, patients who received a combination therapy of metformin and DPP-4 inhibitor for DM were at a higher risk of dementia than those who received monotherapy.

EEG-Based Spectral Dynamic in Characterization of Poststroke Patients with Cognitive Impairment for Early Detection of Vascular Dementia

One common type of vascular dementia (VaD) is poststroke dementia (PSD). Vascular dementia can occur in one-third of stroke patients. The worsening of cognitive function can occur quickly if not detected and treated early. One of the potential medical modalities for observing this disorder by considering costs and safety factors is electroencephalogram (EEG). It is thought that there are differences in the spectral dynamics of the EEG signal between the normal group and stroke patients with cognitive impairment so that it can be used in detection. Therefore, this study proposes an EEG signal characterization method using EEG spectral power complexity measurements to obtain features of poststroke patients with cognitive impairment and normal subjects. Working memory EEGs were collected and analyzed from forty-two participants, consisting of sixteen normal subjects, fifteen poststroke patients with mild cognitive impairment, and eleven poststroke patients with dementia. From the analysis results, it was found that there were differences in the dynamics of the power spectral in each group, where the spectral power of the cognitively impaired group was more regular than the normal group. Notably, (1) significant differences in spectral entropy (SpecEn) with a p value <0.05 were found for all electrodes, (2) there was a relationship between SpecEn values and the severity of dementia (SpecEnDem < SpecEnMCI < SpecEnNormal), and (3) a post hoc multiple comparison test showed significant differences between groups at the F7 electrode. This study shows that spectral complexity analysis can discriminate between normal and poststroke patients with cognitive impairment. For further studies, it is necessary to simulate performance validation so that the proposed approach can be used in the early detection of poststroke dementia and monitoring the development of dementia.

Aβ1-40-Induced Platelet Adhesion Is Ameliorated by Rosmarinic Acid through Inhibition of NADPH Oxidase/PKC-δ/Integrin αIIbβ3 Signaling

In platelets, oxidative stress reportedly increases platelet adhesion to vessels, thus promoting the vascular pathology of various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Recently, it has been shown that β-amyloid (Aβ) can increase oxidative stress in platelets; however, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the signaling pathway of platelet adhesion induced by Aβ_1–40, the major form of circulating Aβ, through Western blotting, immunofluorescence confocal microscopy, and fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis. Additionally, we examined whether rosmarinic acid (RA), a natural polyphenol antioxidant, can modulate these processes. Our results show that Aβ_1–40-induced platelet adhesion is mediated through NADPH oxidase/ROS/PKC-δ/integrin α_IIbβ₃ signaling, and these signaling pathways are significantly inhibited by RA. Collectively, these results suggest that RA may have beneficial effects on platelet-associated vascular pathology in AD.

Vascular Dementia and Underlying Sex Differences

Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer's disease (AD); where Alzheimer's accounts for 60-70% of cases of dementia and VaD accounts for 20% of all dementia cases. VaD is defined as a reduced or lack of blood flow to the brain that causes dementia. VaD is also known occasionally as vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) or multi-infarct dementia (MID). VCID is the condition arising from stroke and other vascular brain injuries that cause significant changes to memory, thinking, and behavior, and VaD is the most severe stage while MID is produced by the synergistic effects caused by multiple mini strokes in the brain irrespective of specific location or volume. There are also subtle differences in the presentation of VaD in males and females, but they are often overlooked. Since 1672 when the first case of VaD was reported until now, sex and gender differences have had little to no research done when it comes to the umbrella term of dementia in general. This review summarizes the fundamentals of VaD followed by a focus on the differences between sex and gender when an individual is diagnosed. In addition, we provide critical evidence concerning sex and gender differences with a few of the main risk factors of VaD including pre-existing health conditions and family history, gene variants, aging, hormone fluctuations, and environmental risk factors. Additionally, the pharmaceutical treatments and possible mitigation of risk factors is explored.

Developing an Explainable Machine Learning-Based Personalised Dementia Risk Prediction Model: A Transfer Learning Approach With Ensemble Learning Algorithms

Alzheimer's disease (AD) has its onset many decades before dementia develops, and work is ongoing to characterise individuals at risk of decline on the basis of early detection through biomarker and cognitive testing as well as the presence/absence of identified risk factors. Risk prediction models for AD based on various computational approaches, including machine learning, are being developed with promising results. However, these approaches have been criticised as they are unable to generalise due to over-reliance on one data source, poor internal and external validations, and lack of understanding of prediction models, thereby limiting the clinical utility of these prediction models. We propose a framework that employs a transfer-learning paradigm with ensemble learning algorithms to develop explainable personalised risk prediction models for dementia. Our prediction models, known as source models, are initially trained and tested using a publicly available dataset (n = 84,856, mean age = 69 years) with 14 years of follow-up samples to predict the individual risk of developing dementia. The decision boundaries of the best source model are further updated by using an alternative dataset from a different and much younger population (n = 473, mean age = 52 years) to obtain an additional prediction model known as the target model. We further apply the SHapely Additive exPlanation (SHAP) algorithm to visualise the risk factors responsible for the prediction at both population and individual levels. The best source model achieves a geometric accuracy of 87%, specificity of 99%, and sensitivity of 76%. In comparison to a baseline model, our target model achieves better performance across several performance metrics, within an increase in geometric accuracy of 16.9%, specificity of 2.7%, and sensitivity of 19.1%, an area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) of 11% and a transfer learning efficacy rate of 20.6%. The strength of our approach is the large sample size used in training the source model, transferring and applying the "knowledge" to another dataset from a different and undiagnosed population for the early detection and prediction of dementia risk, and the ability to visualise the interaction of the risk factors that drive the prediction. This approach has direct clinical utility.

Current view on post-stroke dementia

Dementia is one of the leading complications after stroke affecting about one third of survivors. Prevalence of post-stroke dementia (PSD) differs between studies due to variability in methodology, characteristics of included patients, type of stroke, diagnostic tools used to identify patients with dementia, or time when the assessment was performed. Patients diagnosed with PSD are at higher risk of mortality, disability, and institutionalization. Aetiology of PSD may include mixed overlapping processes such as vascular brain pathology or Alzheimer's disease. Several risk factors have been found to increase PSD incidence, involving demographics, vascular factors, stroke characteristics, abnormalities on neuroimaging, and stroke complications. However, the influence of some other factors still remains unclear. PSD may coexist with other neuropsychiatric disorders and its association with post-stroke depression seems to be the most significant. There is a strong need for further research on possible genetic, biological, and inflammatory biomarkers. Also, there are no unambiguously efficacious methods of management. Continuing to address these issues will help to find more effective interventions directly targeting prevention and treatment of PSD in the future.

Predictors of dementia after first ischemic stroke

Various mechanisms contribute to dementia after first ischemic stroke as lesions on strategic areas of cognition and stroke premorbidity.

Objectives

Assessing clinical and neuroimaging predictors of dementia after first ischemic stroke and its relation to stroke location, subtypes and severity.

Methods

Eighty first ischemic stroke patients were included. Forty patients with dementia after first stroke and forty patients without dementia according to DSM-IV diagnostic criteria of vascular dementia. All patients were subjected to general and neurological assessment, National Institute Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) for stroke severity, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale for cognition assessment, MRI brain and Trial of Org 10172 in acute stroke treatment (TOAST) classification for stroke subtypes.

Results

Left hemispheric ischemic stroke, strategic infarctions, diabetes mellitus and stroke of anterior circulation were found to be independent risk factors for dementia after first ischemic stroke (OR=3.09, 95%CI 1.67-10.3, OR=2.33, 95%CI 1.87-8.77, OR=1.88, 95%CI 1.44-4.55, OR=1.86, 95%CI 1.45-6.54, respectively). Hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, ischemic heart disease, high NIHSS score and large vessel infarction were significantly higher among post stroke dementia patients. However, on binary logistic regression, they did not reach to be independent risk factors.

Conclusion

Stroke location (left stroke, strategic infarction, anterior circulation stroke) and diabetes mellitus could be predictors of dementia after first ischemic stroke, but stroke severity, stroke subtypes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking and ischemic heart could not.

Validation of Finnish Diabetes Risk Score Indonesia Version in Yogyakarta

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has developed as a major public health problem in the world. It is estimated that around 50% of diabetics have not been diagnosed in Indonesia, and only two-thirds of those diagnosed are undergoing treatment. This condition must be prevented. The purpose of this study is to determine the validity and reliability of the Indonesian version of FINDRISC as an instrument for predicting type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study was an observational study with a cross-sectional design on 60 research subjects who are indigenous people of Yogyakarta who live in Yogyakarta, which can be proven by Identity Cards by the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Validity is tested by the validity of criteria by type while using the area under the receiver-operating curve (ROC-AUC), while reliability is tested by internal consistency using Cronbach's Alpha (α). The results showed that as many as 14 people, or 23.33% experienced uncontrolled fasting blood sugar and 15 people had a risk score of FINDRISC more than 10. Based on the ROC AUC analysis, the value of 0.935 (95% CI 0.865 1.00) with a cut-off point of 10 with the value of Sn = 85%, Sp = 95%, PPV = 85%, NPV = 95%, +LR = 5.66, and -LR = 0.15. Based on the reliability test, the Cronbach's value of 0.727 is obtained. The FINDRISC questionnaire is categorized as valid and reliable so that it can be a screening tool for understanding.

Metabolic Syndrome and Physical Performance: The Moderating Role of Cognition among Middle-to-Older-Aged Adults

OBJECTIVE

Mobility limitation and cognitive decline are related. Metabolic syndrome (MetS), the clustering of three or more cardiovascular risk factors, is associated with decline in both mobility and cognition. However, the interrelationship among MetS, mobility, and cognition is unknown. This study investigated a proposed pathway where cognition moderates the relationship between MetS and Mobility.

METHOD

Adults ages 45-90 years were recruited. MetS risk factors and mobility performance (Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and gait speed) were evaluated. Cognition was assessed using a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. A factor analysis of neuropsychological test scores yielded three factors: executive function, explicit memory, and semantic/contextual memory. Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine the relationship among MetS, mobility, and cognition.

RESULTS

Of the 74 participants (average age 61 ± 9 years; 41% female; 69% White), 27 (36%) participants manifested MetS. Mean SPPB score was 10.9 ± 1.2 out of 12 and gait speed was 1.0 ± 0.2 m/s. There were no statistically significant differences in mobility by MetS status. However, increase in any one of the MetS risk factors was associated with decreased mobility performance after adjusting for age and gender (SPPB score: β (SE) -.17 (0.08), p < .05; gait speed: -.03 (.01), p < .01). Further adjusting for cognitive factors (SPPB score: explicit memory .31 (.14), p = .03; executive function 0.45 (0.13), p < .01; gait speed: explicit memory 0.04 (0.02), p = .03; executive function 0.06 (0.02), p < .01) moderated the relationships between number of metabolic risk factors and mobility.

CONCLUSION

The relationship between metabolic risk factors and mobility may be moderated by cognitive performance, specifically through executive function and explicit memory.

Association of AdipoQ gene variation (rs1501299) and oxidative stress with cardiovascular disease in North West Indian population of Punjabi women

BACKGROUND

Till to date whether adiponectin AdipoQ gene variation (rs 1501299) is associated with cardiovascular disease, still remains controversial. Therefore, we aimed to relate the SNP (rs1501299) of adiponectin gene and oxidative stress in context to CVD in Punjabi women of North West India.

METHODS

In the present case-control study menopausal women with CVD as cases (n=265) and menopausal women without CVD as controls (n=258) were recruited. Genotyping of rs1501299 single nucleotide polymorphism of adiponectin gene was carried out by RFLP-PCR analysis. Biochemical parameters were analyzed according to the standard procedures.

RESULTS

Distribution of homozygous TT genotype of normolipidemic (p=0.001) and hyperlipidemic (p=0.001) women with CVD was significantly more frequent as compared to women without CVD. rs1501299 T allele carriers with CVD also showed significant (p=0.001) higher frequency distribution as compared to women without CVD. Under recessive model of inheritance TT mutant type homozygotes conferred ~9 fold higher risk [p=0.001; OR= 9.60 (2.92-31.58)] towards CVD susceptibility for MDA>1.50; ~11 fold higher risk [p=0.007; OR= 11.11 (1.49-82.83)] towards CVD for LDL carbonyl protein>15.04 and ~9 fold higher risk [p=0.001; OR= 9.75 (2.30-41.22)] towards CVD susceptibility for SOD≤5.55. Under logistic regression analysis oxidative stress and TT genotype were significantly correlated with CVD.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed significant association of AdipoQ (rs1501299) gene polymorphism and oxidative stress with cardiovascular disease in Punjabi women of North West India. However, additional studies are required to support these findings.

Age-Related Changes in the Association Between Traumatic Brain Injury and Dementia in Older Men and Women

OBJECTIVE

To investigate age-related changes in the association between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and dementia in older men and women separately.

SETTING

A total of 243 general practices in the UK.

PARTICIPANTS

This study included 4760 patients who received a first TBI diagnosis between 1995 and 2010 (index date), and 4760 patients without TBI who were matched to those with TBI by age, sex, index year, Charlson Comorbidity Index, alcohol dependence, and physician (index date: a randomly selected visit date).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

MAIN MEASURES

Incidence of dementia in the decade following index date.

RESULTS

Within 10 years of index date, 8.8% of men with TBI and 4.8% of those without TBI were diagnosed with dementia, while the respective figures were 9.0% and 6.7% in women (P values < .01). There was a significant association between TBI and dementia in men (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.29, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.64-3.19) and in women (HR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.07-1.64). Furthermore, the association between TBI and dementia was significant in men aged 60 to 70 (HR = 2.51, 95% CI: 1.27-4.96) and 71 to 80 years (HR = 3.00, 95% CI: 1.82-4.93), whereas the relationship was only significant and potentially unreliable in women aged 81 to 90 years (HR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.03-2.14).

CONCLUSIONS

The age-related relationship between TBI and dementia differed between men and women. More research of a prospective nature and including behavioral data is needed to better understand these differences.

The effect of scalp electroacupuncture combined with Memantine in patients with vascular dementia: A retrospective study

Currently there is no effective treatment for vascular dementia (VaD). Pharmacological treatment often lead to severe complications and require drug dosage adjustment. This study investigated the effect of scalp electroacupuncture combined with Memantine in VaD. The safety and antioxidative effect of scalp electroacupuncture were also explored.A retrospective study was conducted and data of inpatients of Linyi Central Hospital with VaD between June 2017 and May 2018 were collected and sorted. The patients were divided into scalp electroacupuncture-medication (A), scalp electroacupuncture (B) and medication (control) (C) groups, in which Memantine was prescribed as medication. Cognitive function, activities of daily living and quality of life assessed by Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Barthel index and dementia quality of life questionnaire; the contents of superoxide dismutase, lipid peroxide and nitric oxide in blood samples; and adverse reaction were compared.Data from a total of 150 patients were collected (Group A, n = 55; Group B, n = 50; Group C, n = 45). The post-treatment/follow-up Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Barthel index and dementia quality of life questionnaire scores were significantly improved in all groups compared to pre-treatment (groups A and B, P<.01; group C, P<.05). The improvements were significant for groups A vs C, B vs C (P<0.01, both), and group A vs B (P<.05). The post-treatment/follow-up levels of lipid peroxide and nitric oxide decreased significantly while superoxide dismutase increased significantly in groups A and B compared to pre-treatment (P<.01, both). The differences were significant for groups A vs C, and B vs C (P < .01, both), but not significant between groups A and B (P > .05). There were no significant adverse events occurred during the study and follow-up.In combined treatment, scalp electroacupuncture works in parallel with Memantine and significantly increase the therapeutic effect in VaD with no significant adverse events. Scalp electroacupuncture may have the potential to serve as an option or alternative treatment for VaD. Scalp electroacupuncture may alleviate VaD symptoms through its antioxidative mechanism.

Altered Brain Adiponectin Receptor Expression in the 5XFAD Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

Metabolic syndromes share common pathologies with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Adiponectin, an adipocyte-derived protein, regulates energy metabolism via its receptors, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2. To investigate the distribution of adiponectin receptors (AdipoRs) in Alzheimer's, we examined their expression in the aged 5XFAD mouse model of AD. In age-matched wild-type mice, we observed neuronal expression of both ARs throughout the brain as well as endothelial expression of AdipoR1. The pattern of receptor expression in the aged 5XFAD brain was significantly perturbed. Here, we observed decreased neuronal expression of both ARs and decreased endothelial expression of AdipoR1, but robust expression of AdipoR2 in activated astrocytes. We also observed AdipoR2-expressing astrocytes in the dorsomedial hypothalamic and thalamic mediodorsal nuclei, suggesting the possibility that astrocytes utilise AdipoR2 signalling to fuel their activated state in the AD brain. These findings provide further evidence of a metabolic disturbance and demonstrate a potential shift in energy utilisation in the AD brain, supporting imaging studies performed in AD patients.

Adiponectin and Cognitive Decline

Adiponectin (ADPN) is a plasma protein secreted by adipose tissue showing pleiotropic effects with anti-diabetic, anti-atherogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Initially, it was thought that the main role was only the metabolism control. Later, ADPN receptors were also found in the central nervous system (CNS). In fact, the receptors AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 are expressed in various areas of the brain, including the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and cortex. While AdipoR1 regulates insulin sensitivity through the activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, AdipoR2 stimulates the neural plasticity through the activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) pathway that inhibits inflammation and oxidative stress. Overall, based on its central and peripheral actions, ADPN appears to have neuroprotective effects by reducing inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (PCR), interleukin 6 (IL6), and Tumor Necrosis Factor a (TNFa). Conversely, high levels of inflammatory cascade factors appear to inhibit the production of ADPN, suggesting bidirectional modulation. In addition, ADPN appears to have insulin-sensitizing action. It is known that a reduction in insulin signaling is associated with cognitive impairment. Based on this, it is of great interest to investigate the mechanism of restoration of the insulin signal in the brain as an action of ADPN, because it is useful for testing a possible pharmacological treatment for the improvement of cognitive decline. Anyway, if ADPN regulates neuronal functioning and cognitive performances by the glycemic metabolic system remains poorly explored. Moreover, although the mechanism is still unclear, women compared to men have a doubled risk of developing cognitive decline. Several studies have also supported that during the menopausal transition, the estrogen reduction can adversely affect the brain, in particular, verbal memory and verbal fluency. During the postmenopausal period, in obese and insulin-resistant individuals, ADPN serum levels are significantly reduced. Our recent study has evaluated the relationship between plasma ADPN levels and cognitive performances in menopausal women. Thus, the aim of this review is to summarize both the mechanisms and the effects of ADPN in the central nervous system and the relationship between plasma ADPN levels and cognitive performances, also in menopausal women.

Links Between Adiponectin and Dementia: From Risk Factors to Pathophysiology

With the aging population, dementia is becoming one of the most serious and troublesome global public health issues. Numerous studies have been seeking for effective strategies to delay or block its progression, but with little success. In recent years, adiponectin (APN) as one of the most abundant and multifunctional adipocytokines related to anti-inflammation, regulating glycogen metabolism and inhibiting insulin resistance (IR) and anti-atherosclerosis, has attracted widespread attention. In this article, we summarize recent studies that have contributed to a better understanding of the extent to which APN influences the risks of developing dementia as well as its pathophysiological progression. In addition, some controversial results interlinked with its effects on cognitive dysfunction diseases will be critically discussed. Ultimately, we aim to gain a novel insight into the pleiotropic effects of APN levels in circulation and suggest potential therapeutic target and future research strategies.

Decoding the Role of Platelets and Related MicroRNAs in Aging and Neurodegenerative Disorders

Platelets are anucleate cells that circulate in blood and are essential components of the hemostatic system. During aging, platelet numbers decrease and their aggregation capacity is reduced. Platelet dysfunctions associated with aging can be linked to molecular alterations affecting several cellular systems that include cytoskeleton rearrangements, signal transduction, vesicular trafficking, and protein degradation. Age platelets may adopt a phenotype characterized by robust secretion of extracellular vesicles that could in turn account for about 70-90% of blood circulating vesicles. Interestingly these extracellular vesicles are loaded with messenger RNAs and microRNAs that may have a profound impact on protein physiology at the systems level. Age platelet dysfunction is also associated with accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Thereby understanding the mechanisms of aging in platelets as well as their age-dependent dysfunctions may be of interest when evaluating the contribution of aging to the onset of age-dependent pathologies, such as those affecting the nervous system. In this review we summarize the findings that link platelet dysfunctions to neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Huntington's Disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. We discuss the role of platelets as drivers of protein dysfunctions observed in these pathologies, their association with aging and the potential clinical significance of platelets, and related miRNAs, as peripheral biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of neurodegenerative diseases.

Resveratrol prevents cognitive deficits by attenuating oxidative damage and inflammation in rat model of streptozotocin diabetes induced vascular dementia

Diabetes is one of the risk factors for the development of vascular dementia (VD), leading to endothelial dysfunction and cognitive impairment. Resveratrol has been shown to have antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. The previous studies have also reported that resveratrol improves cognitive and vascular endothelial functions in several pathological conditions. In the present study we aimed to evaluate the effect of resveratrol on cognitive and vascular endothelial function and to explore the mechanisms of its effects in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model of VD. Male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups (n = 10 in each group): Control, diabetes (DM), DM + resveratrol (DM + RSV) groups. Rats from the DM + RSV group received resveratrol (20 mg/kg/day, ip) for 4 weeks after induction of diabetes and then cognitive functions of the rats were tested by the Morris water maze and a passive avoidance tests. After behavioral tests, endothelial function of thoracic aorta (the endothelium-dependent and -independent vasorelaxant responses) was investigated. To explore the mechanisms of resveratrol, endothelial eNOS, aortic superoxide dismutase (SOD), NADPH oxidase, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) levels, TNF-α and IL-1β expressions; serum SOD and NADPH oxidase levels and, hippocampal BDNF, TNF-α and IL-1β expressions were measured. It was shown that DM resulted in severe learning and memory deficits associated with endothelial dysfunction, increased expression of TNF-α and IL-1β, increased oxidative stress levels and decreased expression of eNOS and BDNF. In contrast, resveratrol treatment improved the cognitive decline. It was also found that chronic treatment with resveratrol ameliorated the impaired vascular reactivity. Reveratrol significantly reversed diabetes-induced changes of protein expression. Our data suggest that resveratrol prevents memory deficits, endothelial dysfunction, increased oxidative stress, inflammation and impairment of neurotrophin expression in a VD rat model. Thus, the vasculoprotective and neuroprotective effects of resveratrol may be beneficial in DM patients.

Intracranial atherosclerotic disease

Intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS) is a progressive pathological process that causes progressive stenosis and cerebral hypoperfusion and is a major cause of stroke occurrence and recurrence around the world. Multiple factors contribute to the development of ICAS. Angiography imaging techniques can improve the diagnosis of and the selection of appropriate treatment regimens for ICAS. Neither aggressive medication nor endovascular interventions can eradicate stroke recurrence in patients with ICAS. Non-pharmacological therapies such as remote ischemic conditioning and hypothermia are emerging. Comprehensive therapy with medication in combination with endovascular intervention and/or non-pharmacological treatment may be a potential strategy for ICAS treatment in the future. We summarized the epidemiology, pathophysiological mechanisms, risk factors, biomarkers, imaging and management of ICAS.

Different Associations of Plasma Biomarkers in Alzheimer's Disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment, Vascular Dementia, and Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose

Cognitive and cerebrovascular diseases are common in the elderly, but differences in the plasma levels and associations of plasma biomarkers in these diseases remain elusive.

Methods

The present study investigated differences in plasma fatty acids [eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)], adiponectin, reptin, plasma markers of inflammation [high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and serum amyloid A (serum AA)], and plasma lipids [high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)] in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) (n=266), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (n=44), vascular dementia (VaD) (n=33), and ischemic stroke (IS) (n=200) in comparison to normal controls (n=130).

Results

The serological data showed that lower EPA and DHA levels and higher reptin and LDL levels were associated with AD and IS, the reptin/adiponectin ratio was strongly associated with IS, the hsCRP level was more strongly associated with VaD and IS, and the serum AA level was associated with all three cognitive diseases and IS.

Conclusions

This is the first report of differences in the expression levels of plasma biomarkers and peripheral arterial tonometry among AD, MCI, VaD, and IS patients and normal controls. These different associations indicate that diverse pathological mechanisms underlie these diseases.

Acupuncture for patients with vascular dementia: a systematic review protocol

INTRODUCTION

This systematic review protocol aims to provide the methods used to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture therapy for treating vascular dementia.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The following eight databases will be searched from inception to July 2017: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, VIP Database and Wanfang Database. All randomised controlled trials in English or Chinese related to acupuncture for vascular dementia will be included. Outcomes will include change in cognitive function and activities of daily living. The incidence of adverse events will be assessed for safety evaluation. Study inclusion, data extraction and quality assessment will be performed independently by two reviewers. Assessment of risk of bias and data synthesis will be performed using Review Manager software.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval is not required because individual patient data are not included. The findings of this systematic review will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication or conference presentations.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42017071820.

Correlation study of Framingham risk score and vascular dementia: An observational study

Vascular dementia (VaD) is one of the most common forms of dementia, and second only to Alzheimer's disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential diagnostic value of Framingham risk score (FRS) in VaD by investigating the relationship among cardiovascular risks, FRS, and VaD.Data were collected from patients (n = 130) at Tongji Hospital in Wuhan, China. They were divided into 2 groups, including the control group (n = 70) and the VaD group (n = 60). Statistical methods including t-test, logistic regression model, multiple linear regression model, and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve were adopted for the assessment.A significant difference (all P < .05) was observed in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse pressure, total cholesterol (TC), homosysteine (HCY), glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), FRS, and cerebral white matter lesions (WMLs) between the 2 groups, even after adjusting for age (both P < .05). Age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.20; P = .002], FRS (OR = 1.55; P = .006), and WMLs (OR = 10.17; P = .011) were independent prognostic factors for VaD. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of FRS for VaD diagnosis prediction was 0.830 (95% confidence interval, 95% CI: 0.730∼ 0.929). There was a significant difference in the AUC between WMLs and WMLs combined with FRS (0.788 (95% CI: 0.667 ∼ 0.880) versus 0.863 (95% CI: 0.754 ∼ 0.936, P = .049). Age, HbA1c, and FRS were negatively correlated with the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scores (all P < .05) in the VaD group. Moreover, multiple stepwise linear regression analysis showed that the age and FRS were independent predictors of MMSE scores.FRS has a moderate predictive value for the VaD diagnosis, and also increases the risk of cognitive decline.

A Mini-Review of the NADPH oxidases in Vascular Dementia: Correlation with NOXs and Risk Factors for VaD

Oxidative stress (OS) is one of the factors that cause dementia conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia (VaD). In the pathogenesis of VaD, OS is associated with risk factors that include increased age, hypertension, and stroke. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases (NOXs) are a molecular source of reactive oxygen species (ROS). According to recent studies, inhibition of NOX activity can reduce cognitive impairment in animal models of VaD. In this article, we review the evidence linking cognitive impairment with NOX-dependent OS, including the vascular NOX and non-vascular NOX systems, in VaD.

The effects of aging in the hippocampus and cognitive decline

Aging is a natural process that is associated with cognitive decline as well as functional and social impairments. One structure of particular interest when considering aging and cognitive decline is the hippocampus, a brain region known to play an important role in learning and memory consolidation as well as in affective behaviours and mood regulation, and where both functional and structural plasticity (e.g., neurogenesis) occur well into adulthood. Neurobiological alterations seen in the aging hippocampus including increased oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, altered intracellular signalling and gene expression, as well as reduced neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, are thought to be associated with age-related cognitive decline. Non-invasive strategies such as caloric restriction, physical exercise, and environmental enrichment have been shown to counteract many of the age-induced alterations in hippocampal signalling, structure, and function. Thus, such approaches may have therapeutic value in counteracting the deleterious effects of aging and protecting the brain against age-associated neurodegenerative processes.

Diverticular disease and additional comorbidities associated with increased risk of dementia

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Colonic diverticular disease may cause a chronic systemic effect, but its role in the development of dementia remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential increased risk for dementia in colonic diverticular disease.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based cohort study using data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. A total of 66 377 sex-matched, age-matched, and index year-matched (1:4) pairs of patients with colonic diverticular disease and 265 508 patients without colonic diverticular disease, who served as controls, were selected from all potential participants aged 20 years or older in the database. Each subject was individually tracked from 2000 to 2011 to identify incident cases of dementia. Cox proportional hazards regression was employed to calculate the hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the association between colonic diverticular disease and dementia.

RESULTS

There were 1057 dementia cases in the diverticular disease cohort during the follow-up period of 315 171 person-years; the overall incidence rate of dementia differed from that of the control group (3.35 vs 2.43 per 1000 person-years, P < 0.001). The adjusted hazard ratio for dementia was 1.24 (95% confidence interval 1.15-1.33) for diverticular disease patients after adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidities.

CONCLUSIONS

Colonic diverticular disease may be associated with increased risk for dementia.

Major pathogenic mechanisms in vascular dementia: Roles of cellular stress response and hormesis in neuroprotection

Vascular dementia (VaD), considered the second most common cause of cognitive impairment after Alzheimer disease in the elderly, involves the impairment of memory and cognitive function as a consequence of cerebrovascular disease. Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion is a common pathophysiological condition frequently occurring in VaD. It is generally associated with neurovascular degeneration, in which neuronal damage and blood-brain barrier alterations coexist and evoke beta-amyloid-induced oxidative and nitrosative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammasome- promoted neuroinflammation, which contribute to and exacerbate the course of disease. Vascular cognitive impairment comprises a heterogeneous group of cognitive disorders of various severity and types that share a presumed vascular etiology. The present study reviews major pathogenic factors involved in VaD, highlighting the relevance of cerebrocellular stress and hormetic responses to neurovascular insult, and addresses these mechanisms as potentially viable and valuable as foci of novel neuroprotective methods to mitigate or prevent VaD. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum TWK10-Fermented Soymilk on Deoxycorticosterone Acetate-Salt-Induced Hypertension and Associated Dementia in Rats

Oxidative stress resulting from excessive production of reactive oxygen species is the major mediator of neuronal cell degeneration observed in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD). Additionally, hypertension has been shown to be a positive risk factor for VaD. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum strain TWK10 (TWK10)-fermented soymilk on the protection of PC-12 cells in H₂O₂-, oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)- and deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt-induced rat models of VaD. Notably, the viabilities of H₂O₂-treated PC-12 cells and OGD model were significantly increased by treatment with TWK10-fermented soymilk ethanol extract (p < 0.05). In addition, oral administration of TWK10-fermented soymilk extract in DOCA-salt hypertension-induced VaD rats resulted in a significant decrease in blood pressure (p < 0.05), which was regulated by inhibiting ACE activity and promoting NO production, in addition to decreased escape latency and increased target crossing (p < 0.05). In conclusion, these results demonstrated that TWK10-fermented soymilk extract could improve learning and memory in DOCA-salt hypertension-induced VaD rats by acting as a blood pressure-lowering and neuroprotective agent.

Stroke injury, cognitive impairment and vascular dementia

The global burden of ischaemic strokes is almost 4-fold greater than haemorrhagic strokes. Current evidence suggests that 25–30% of ischaemic stroke survivors develop immediate or delayed vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) or vascular dementia (VaD). Dementia after stroke injury may encompass all types of cognitive disorders. States of cognitive dysfunction before the index stroke are described under the umbrella of pre-stroke dementia, which may entail vascular changes as well as insidious neurodegenerative processes. Risk factors for cognitive impairment and dementia after stroke are multifactorial including older age, family history, genetic variants, low educational status, vascular comorbidities, prior transient ischaemic attack or recurrent stroke and depressive illness. Neuroimaging determinants of dementia after stroke comprise silent brain infarcts, white matter changes, lacunar infarcts and medial temporal lobe atrophy. Until recently, the neuropathology of dementia after stroke was poorly defined. Most of post-stroke dementia is consistent with VaD involving multiple substrates. Microinfarction, microvascular changes related to blood–brain barrier damage, focal neuronal atrophy and low burden of co-existing neurodegenerative pathology appear key substrates of dementia after stroke injury. The elucidation of mechanisms of dementia after stroke injury will enable establishment of effective strategy for symptomatic relief and prevention. Controlling vascular disease risk factors is essential to reduce the burden of cognitive dysfunction after stroke. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia edited by M. Paul Murphy, Roderick A. Corriveau and Donna M. Wilcock.

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Ischaemic injury is common among long-term stroke survivors

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About 25% stroke survivors develop dementia with a much greater proportion developing cognitive impairment

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Risk factors of dementia after stroke include older age, vascular comorbidities, prior stroke and pre-stroke impairment

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Current imaging and pathological studies suggest 70% of dementia after stroke is vascular dementia

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Severe white matter changes and medial temporal lobe atrophy as sequelae after ischaemic injury are substrates of dementia

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Controlling vascular risk factors and prevention strategies related to lifestyle factors would reduce dementia after stroke

Models and mechanisms of vascular dementia

Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second leading form of dementia after Alzheimer's disease (AD) plaguing the elderly population. VaD is a progressive disease caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, and it affects cognitive abilities especially executive functioning. VaD is poorly understood and lacks suitable animal models, which constrain the progress on understanding the basis of the disease and developing treatments. This review article discusses VaD, its risk factors, induced cognitive disability, various animal (rodent) models of VaD, pathology, and mechanisms of VaD and treatment options.