The study was done on mice.
Researchers have recently investigated vascular changes in the aging brain using a mouse model, revealing that these changes affect the brain’s deeper regions most significantly. Their findings, published in Nature Communications, highlight how age-related alterations in blood vessels could contribute to neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
The study found that the brain’s vascular system undergoes substantial changes with age, including reductions in vascular length density and branching of blood vessels. These changes are particularly pronounced in the deeper layers of the brain, such as the basal forebrain and the entorhinal cortex, which are crucial areas for cognitive functions and are notably affected in Alzheimer’s disease.
The researchers observed that small blood vessels, or arterioles, become more tortuous and meandering with age, which increases resistance to blood flow. This impairment could lead to reduced oxygen and nutrient delivery to brain cells, potentially causing neuronal death. They also noted an increase in the size and leakiness of these vessels, especially in the deeper cortical layers, which could further disrupt brain function and contribute to cognitive decline.
Experts like Dr. José Morales and Dr. Mustali Dohadwala, who were not involved in the study, suggest that the increased tortuosity of blood vessels could be linked to both increased resistance and changes in the vessel lining, potentially due to inflammation or reduced flexibility. The study underscores that vascular changes might precede neuronal damage in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that improving vascular health could be key to addressing cognitive decline.
Overall, this research provides new insights into how vascular aging affects the brain, particularly in regions associated with Alzheimer’s disease, and emphasizes the need for further investigation into how vascular health influences neurodegenerative conditions.
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