The link between cardiovascular risk, Alzheimer's disease, and mild cognitive impairment: support from recent functional neuroimaging studies

Author(s)

Ferreira, Luiz K. ^{[1, 2]} ; Tamashiro-Duran, Jaqueline H. ^{[1, 2]} ; Squarzoni, Paula ^{[1, 2]} ; Duran, Fabio L. ^{[1, 2]} ; Alves, Tania C. ^{[1, 2]} ; Buchpiguel, Carlos A. ^{[2, 3]} ; Busatto, Geraldo F. ^{[1, 2]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Med, Dept & Inst Psychiat, Lab Psychiat Neuroimaging LIM 21, BR-09500900 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Ctr Interdisciplinary Res Appl Neurosci NAPNA, BR-09500900 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Med, Dept Radiol, Nucl Med Div LIM 43, BR-09500900 Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Revista Brasileira de Psiquiatria; v. 36, n. 4, p. 344-357, OCT-DEC 2014.
• Web of Science Citations: 4

Abstract

Objective: To review functional neuroimaging studies about the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: We performed a comprehensive literature search to identify articles in the neuroimaging field addressing CVRF in AD and MCI. We included studies that used positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT), or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Results: CVRFs have been considered risk factors for cognitive decline, MCI, and AD. Patterns of AD-like changes in brain function have been found in association with several CVRFs (both regarding individual risk factors and also composite CVRF measures). In vivo assessment of AD-related pathology with amyloid imaging techniques provided further evidence linking CVRFs and AD, but there is still limited information resulting from this new technology. Conclusion: There is a large body of evidence from functional neuroimaging studies supporting the hypothesis that CVRFs may play a causal role in the pathophysiology of AD. A major limitation of most studies is their cross-sectional design; future longitudinal studies using multiple imaging modalities are expected to better document changes in CVRF-related brain function patterns and provide a clearer picture of the complex relationship between aging, CVRFs, and AD. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/50329-6 - Translational neuroscience of Alzheimer's disease: preclinical and clinical studies of b-amyloid peptide and other biomarkers
• Grantee: Geraldo Busatto Filho
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 12/11898-5 - Partial least squares method in the analysis of resting-state functional magnetic resonance: study of the aging brain and autobiographical memory
• Grantee: Luiz Roberto Kobuti Ferreira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)