Researchers from Columbia's Taub Institute have previously demonstrated a link between stroke, diabetes, smoking, hypertension and a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease. While vascular risk factors have been studied as predictors of Alzheimer's, few studies have assessed their influence on disease progression. As the authors write, There has been intense interest in identifying modifiable Alzheimer's disease risk factors such as cardiovascular risk factors, with the goal of preventing or at least delaying disease onset. However, little attention has been given to the influence of these factors on disease progression.

Dr. Stern and the research team theorize that the link between vascular risk factors and faster cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease may occur because vascular diseases may increase oxidative stress or activate inflammation in the brain, thereby triggering the production of amyloid, and/or triggering the formation of neuron tangles “ known as neurofibrillary tangles “ which are believed to be a primary cause of Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Stern and his colleagues are continuing to study the basis of the links between vascular risk factors and Alzheimer's disease using epidemiologic and imaging approaches.

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