✍️ Author: Dr Eleni Christoforidou
🕒 Approximate reading time: 5 minutes
Neurovascular health plays a significant role in maintaining optimal brain function. However, its dysfunction can pave the way for various neurodegenerative diseases. In this post, we’ll delve deep into the interrelation between neurovascular dysfunction and neurodegeneration.
The NVU is a complex network consisting of neurons, blood vessels, and supporting cells. It ensures that the brain receives a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients while efficiently eliminating waste. Any disruption can impact neuronal health directly or indirectly.
Reduced Blood Flow: Reduced cerebral blood flow is a hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases. It limits the availability of essential nutrients, paving the way for neuronal death.
Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) Compromise: A healthy BBB filters harmful substances from reaching the brain. When compromised, toxins can seep into the brain, inducing neuronal damage.
Impaired Clearance of Waste: Dysfunctional NVU can hamper the elimination of metabolic waste, including toxic proteins that can aggregate and harm neurons.
Alzheimer’s Disease: Reduced cerebral blood flow and BBB leakiness have been identified in early stages, even before significant cognitive decline appears.
Parkinson’s Disease: Impaired blood flow and abnormal vasculature have been linked to the progression of this disease.
Huntington’s Disease: Studies indicate neurovascular anomalies might exacerbate the neurodegenerative process.
Promising strategies are being developed to rectify neurovascular dysfunctions.
Vasodilators: Drugs that expand blood vessels can improve cerebral blood flow.
Reinforcing the BBB: Approaches to strengthen the BBB can prevent harmful substances from entering the brain.
Enhancing Lymphatic Function: Methods that bolster the brain's waste-clearance systems could be pivotal in neurodegenerative disease prevention.
The intricate relationship between neurovascular function and neuronal health underscores the need for holistic approaches in treating neurodegenerative diseases. Focusing on restoring the integrity of the NVU might hold the key to novel therapeutic strategies.
As we continue to unravel the complexities of the brain, it’s evident that neurovascular health is intertwined with neurodegeneration. By targeting the root of neurovascular dysfunctions, we might stand a better chance in the fight against debilitating brain diseases.