Arterial stiffness is emerging as an important risk marker for poor brain aging and dementia through its associations with cerebral small vessel disease, stroke, β-amyloid deposition, brain atrophy and cognitive impairment. Arterial stiffness directly relates the detrimental effects of hypertension on peripheral organs with dire consequences for the extensive microvasculature structure of the kidneys and brain. In this review, we discuss the evidence linking arterial stiffness, hypertension and brain structural abnormalities in older adults. In particular, we discuss the potential mechanisms linking arterial stiffness to brain β-amyloid deposition and dementia and potential therapeutic strategies to prevent hypertension's adverse effects on the brain.
Keywords: Alzheimer's disease; arterial stiffness; brain aging; dementia; hypertension; β-amyloid deposition.