| Title: | Prediction of vascular cognitive impairment by exploiting novel imaging markers of brain network characteristics. |
| Lead Institution: | University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf |
| Principal investigator: | Dr Bastian Cheng |
Application 71359
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About
Dementia is highly frequent in ageing western societies. It has devastating effects as it reduces the wellbeing of affected individuals, leading to loss of independence in daily living. One of the major causes of dementia and cognitive decline is a condition called cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). It leads to a slowly progressing damage of small brain blood vessels that in turn lead to diminish cognitive functions. CSVD is common in individuals in who vascular risk factors are present (i. e. high blood pressure, smoking or increased blood cholesterol levels). We regard the human brain as a network of specialized brain areas that are connected to generate cognitive functions such as memory, orientation or attention. Vascular damage in CSVD disturbs these large-scale brain networks and therefore impedes normal brain functions. The underlying mechanisms are, however, poorly understood. We will investigate relationship of CSVD and brain network characteristics. Our project will have two major aims: 1) characterize the negative influence of CSVD on the so called cerebral cortex (where brain functions are generated) and the white matter (neurons that connect brain areas and allow information transfer). 2) Investigate which elements of the brain network are most vulnerable and therefore key elements for cognitive impairment in individuals with CSVD. We will observe changes in brain structure and function over time to detect relevant factors that can be used at early stages of CSVD to predict risk for cognitive impairment. The analysis will take into account known risk factors for vascular cognitive impairment and blood markers that signal increased risk for CSVD, such as high levels of cholesterol. We plan to conduct this project over a period of two years. By characterizing brain networks affected by CSVD, our work will benefit public health by providing novel risk markers for cognitive impairment and dementia. This will lead to a better understanding of vascular cognitive impairment and improved early detection of individuals at risk who can be targeted by timely individualized prevention.1 Publication
| Pub ID | Title | Author(s) | Year | Journal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11908 | Mapping the interplay of atrial fibrillation, brain structure, and cognitive dysfunction | Marvin Petersen (+13) | 2024 | Alzheimer's & Dementia |
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