Alzheimer's disease and vascular factors: facts and theories.
Although Alzheimer s disease is classified as a neurodegenerative dementia, in Alzheimer s dementia there is increasing evidence of an association with vascular risk factors and vascular pathology. These observations are supported by epidemiological and pathological studies. Vascular factors may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer s dementia. Further research is needed to explore this relationship. Modification of vascular risk factors could make a significant impact towards prevention and treatment of Alzheimer s disease, which is a distressing and prevalent condition in the community. This article considers the relationship of these vascular risk factors and potential mechanisms associated with the aetiopathogenesis of Alzheimer s dementia.
Pansari
K
K
Department of Psychiatry, St David's Hospital, Carmarthen, Dyfed, UK.
Gupta
A
A
Thomas
P
P
D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000209:etiology*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors