A recent study (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37549299/ [ncaresearch.us1.list-manage.com]) carried out by researchers at our centre and funded by the British Heart Foundation, has characterised a new mouse model of hypertension induced vascular dementia, showing the two hallmarks of the disease – a reduction in blood flow to the brain and impaired cognitive function.

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a risk factor associated with the development of vascular dementia, thought to be due to insufficient blood flow to the brain. This starves the brain of nutrients, ultimately leading to the death of brain cells that manifest clinically as symptoms such as a lack of concentration, loss of energy and poor memory.

The researchers discovered a vital pathway that normally ensures sufficient blood supply to the brain, has become damaged in hypertension. This makes the arteries squeeze harder and therefore restrict brain blood flow, which could be the mechanism driving the loss of brain function. By identifying drugs that could restore this damaged pathway, the researchers hope to improve blood flow and slow the disease progression.

Read the article from the British Heart Foundation here:https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/news-from-the-bhf/news-archive/2023/august/key-cause-of-restricted-blood-flow-to-the-brain-in-vascular-dementia [ncaresearch.us1.list-manage.com]

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