Decoding the Molecular Ties between Cerebrovascular Disease and Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), is a progressive disease in which a patient becomes senile, unable to recall memories or perform important mental functions. Cerebrovascular Disease (CVD) results in damage in the brain due to a shortness of blood supply. Usually, the shortness is due to a block in major blood vessels. Most of the time, medical doctors promote similar lifestyle changes to patients due to the risk factors associated with both of these diseases. The purpose of this literature review is to understand mechanistic ties between the incidences of AD and CVD. Firstly, this paper analyzes the correct medical terminology between AD, CVD, and vascular dementia. Both CVD and AD are known to cause dementia. Some newly found causes of these diseases are analyzed. Some studies stress that depression can cause the onset of AD, but CVD can cause the onset of depression. Molecular markers are also analyzed. Recent discoveries have also suggested that non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus is a risk factor of vascular disease. As a result, not only should healthcare providers emphasize the risk associated with age, but healthy eating a strict diet with iron rich foods and physical activity should be among recommendations that make up a lower risk of patients acquiring AD, CVD, and other types of dementias.