Atherosclerosis, biomarkers of atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease

Int J Neurosci. 2014 Jan;124(1):1-11. doi: 10.3109/00207454.2013.821988. Epub 2013 Aug 6.

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent type of dementia, involving progressive deterioration of neuronal networks. Although the pathophysiological mechanism of AD is not fully elucidated, apart from β-amyloid and tau protein, a diverse number of factors such as cardiovascular risk factors, inflammation, and lipids metabolism may play a significant role. Numerous epidemiological and laboratory studies support vascular injury and inflammation, as key pathological processes. The present review is focused on cardiovascular risk factors, lipids, and circulating biomarkers of inflammation, discussing them as independent mechanisms converging to the same final pathogenetic cascade of AD.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / complications
  • Alzheimer Disease / epidemiology*
  • Alzheimer Disease / metabolism*
  • Atherosclerosis / complications
  • Atherosclerosis / epidemiology*
  • Atherosclerosis / metabolism*
  • Biomarkers / metabolism*
  • Cholesterol / metabolism
  • Cytokines / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Inflammation / complications

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Cytokines
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Cholesterol