Could Relaxing of Blood Vessels in the Brain Be A Key to Preventing Neuro Cognitive Decline

[Wally]

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/06/190620153511.htm

Squeezing of blood vessels may contribute to cognitive decline in Alzheimer's

Date: June 20, 2019

​

Source: University College London

​

Summary: Reduced blood flow to the brain associated with early Alzheimer's may be caused by the contraction of cells wrapped around blood vessels, according to a new study that opens up a new way to potentially treat the disease.

Blood provides the brain's energy supply in the form of glucose and oxygen. Earlier studies have suggested the first change in Alzheimer's disease is a decrease in cerebral blood flow.​

The study . . . looked at the role of pericytes, cells wrapped around capillaries that have the ability to contract and regulate blood flow.​

​

Researchers examined capillaries in Alzheimer's-affected human brain tissue and in mice bred to develop Alzheimer's pathology, and found that they were squeezed by pericytes. They also applied amyloid beta protein (which accumulates in the brains of people with Alzheimer's) to slices of healthy brain tissue, and found that the capillaries were squeezed as a result.​

They calculated that the constriction was severe enough to halve blood flow, which is comparable to the decrease in blood flow found in parts of the brain affected by Alzheimer's.​

​

. . ."Our study has, for the first time, identified the underlying mechanism behind the reduction of brain blood flow in Alzheimer's disease.​

"Since reduced blood flow is the first clinically detectable sign of Alzheimer's, our research generates new leads for possible treatments in the early phase of the disease."​

​

. . ."Damage to synapses and neurons in Alzheimer's is usually attributed to the actions of amyloid and tau proteins accumulating in the brain.​

"Our research raises the question of what fraction of the damage is a consequence of the decrease in energy supply that amyloid produces by constricting the brain's finer blood vessels.​

"In clinical trials, drugs that clear amyloid beta from the brain have not succeeded in slowing mental decline at a relatively late phase of the disease. We now have a new avenue for therapies intervening at an earlier stage."​

The finding raises the prospect of treatments for Alzheimer's that are focused on keeping the pericytes relaxed.​

Amyloid β oligomers constrict human capillaries in Alzheimer’s disease via signaling to pericytes. Science, 2019; eaav9518 DOI: 10.1126/science.aav9518​

(On the Health Rising Website there are two articles re nimodipine ​

1) https://www.healthrising.org/blog/2019/06/10/nimodipine-beating-chronic-fatigue-guide-downing-orr/ and 2) https://www.healthrising.org/blog/2...l-blocker-fibromyalgia-chronic-fatigue-pt-ii/ . Review of these articles is interesting in light of this new study about pericytes and relaxing blood vessels as a possible mechanism to address neuro cognitive issues.​

The researchers identified in the above study, as well as Dr. Van Ezkvakker, Dr, Systrom and Dr. Younger are researchers that I think are worth keeping a close eye on as they explore possible connections with ME, CFS or similar neuro endocrine immune illnesses. Specifically connections with the vagus nerve and restrictions in blood and oxygen flow to the brain, heart and gut.)​