Co-lead investigator Arthur W. Toga, Ph.D., director of the Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, University of Southern California
Growing evidence indicates that vascular disease and Alzheimer's disease are interconnected. Many people living with Alzheimer's also have cerebrovascular disease, and brain autopsies show that up to 30 percent of dementia cases coincide with neurovascular changes that affect the blood vessels to the brain. In addition, the gene associated with the greatest increased risk for developing the most common form of Alzheimer's — apolipoprotein E ε4 (APOE4) — is also associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease.
An important new study is exploring this intriguing interconnection. The Vascular Contributions to Dementia in APOE4 Carriers (VCD) study is bringing the vascular and Alzheimer's fields together to test the hypothesis that APOE4 drives neurovascular changes that lead to cognitive decline and Alzheimer's. Co-led by Arthur W. Toga, Ph.D., director of the Laboratory of Neuro Imaging at the University of Southern California, VCD researchers are using new conceptual advances, cutting-edge technologies and innovative experimental approaches to predict and monitor the progression of pre-symptomatic Alzheimer's and cognitive decline among carriers and non-carriers of APOE4. The researchers are exploring whether neurovascular changes and dysfunction can be detected through a combination of neuroimaging, cognitive assessments and other measurements
VCD study findings could have a significant impact on Alzheimer's diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Ultimately this work may enable the development of diagnostic tools, therapeutic targets and potential treatment and prevention methods for Alzheimer's and other dementias. Given that more than 80 percent of elderly individuals show detrimental changes in their neurovascular system, the study's potential relevance is profound.
We have seized a unique opportunity to maximize the value of this exciting study.. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) made a multimillion grant to launch the VCD study. Shortly thereafter the Alzheimer's Association committed $3 million to add both amyloid and tau PET brain imaging to the study — enabling an unparalleled picture of how the neurovascular system plays a role in Alzheimer's disease initiation and progression.
Discovery Science
Early Detection
Treatment
Prevention
Step Up the Pace is a special initiative to increase philanthropic investment in four key dementia research outcomes areas: Discovery Science, Early Detection, Treatment and Prevention.
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