Cerebrovascular muscle atrophy is a feature of Alzheimer's disease

Brain Res. 1998 Apr 27;791(1-2):63-6. doi: 10.1016/s0006-8993(98)00006-7.

Abstract

We examined vascular amyloid-beta deposition and other abnormalities in the posterior cerebral artery of consecutive cases of Alzheimer's disease (AD) compared to controls. Smooth muscle atrophy was a consistent feature in the cases of AD examined (p<0.01) and was surprisingly independent of adjacent amyloid-beta deposition. These findings suggest that vascular abnormalities are a consistent feature in AD and may be an important contributor to the pathogenesis and complications of AD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Alzheimer Disease / etiology
  • Alzheimer Disease / metabolism
  • Alzheimer Disease / pathology*
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cerebral Arteries / metabolism
  • Cerebral Arteries / pathology*
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / complications
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / metabolism
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscular Atrophy / complications
  • Muscular Atrophy / metabolism
  • Muscular Atrophy / pathology*
  • Occipital Lobe / blood supply*