Cerebral atherosclerosis and arteriolosclerosis are associated with Alzheimer disease dementia, and are also associated with low scores in most cognitive domains, according to a recent study. Cerebral vessel pathology might be an under-recognized risk factor for Alzheimer disease dementia. Researchers analyzed data of 1,143 individuals (median age at death 88·8 years; 478 [42%] with Alzheimer disease dementia). They found:

• Moderate-to-severe atherosclerosis was present in 445 (39%) individuals, and arteriolosclerosis in 401 (35%) individuals.

• Each level increase in the severity of atherosclerosis or arteriolosclerosis was associated with significantly higher odds of Alzheimer disease dementia.

• Atherosclerosis was associated with lower scores for global cognition and 4 cognitive domains: episodic memory, semantic memory, perceptual speed, and visuospatial abilities, but not working memory.

• Arteriolosclerosis was associated with lower scores for global cognition and 4 domains: episodic memory, semantic memory, working memory, perceptual speed, and a non-significant association was noted for visuospatial abilities.

Citation: Arvanitakis Z, Capuano AW, Leurgans SE, Bennett DA, Schneider JA. Relation of cerebral vessels disease to Alzheimer’s disease dementia and cognitive function in elderly people: A cross-sectional study. [Published online ahead of print June 13, 2016]. Lancet Neurol. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(16)30029-1.