Two separate studies were able to confirm anecdotal information about patients suffering from both Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) using mouse models.
Researchers from the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging at the University of Kentucky came to similar conclusions as to how Alzheimer's and cerebrovascular disease interact.
The clinically significant findings were published in Acta Neuropathologica and Alzheimer's Research & Therapy. Both studies looked at CVD in Alzheimer's disease mouse models, but looked at different lifestyle factors.
"Cerebrovascular disease refers to disorders of the blood vessels in the brain-and these disorders are among the most common killers in the world, leading to stroke and hemorrhage and other conditions," Florida Hospital reported.
In the first stages of the condition the patient often experiences flaccid paralysis of a limb. CVD can also affect gag reflex, communication, sight, and perception.
Paul Murphy, Ph.D, and his research team studied "the combined effects of type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and cerebrovascular disease in a novel mouse genetic model."
A separate group, led by Donna Wilcock, Ph.D looked at the link between homocysteine and a number of other disease states, such as CVD. Both papers came to similar conclusions.
"We found that, while the primary Alzheimer's pathologies were unchanged, the learning and memory outcomes were significantly worse. In other words, in our mouse models, the cognitive effects of Alzheimer's disease combined with cerebrovascular disease were compounded both in terms of severity and the speed of decline," Wilcock said.
Murphy believes these findings are extremely significant since at least 40 percent of Alzheimer's patients also have cerebrovascular disease.
"We are really excited about these results," Murphy said. "Until now, we have had almost no way to study how Alzheimer's and cerebrovascular disease interact. These new mouse models give us a way to test ideas about the disease, and ultimately develop ways to treat it."
