Vascular factors and Alzheimer disease

Vascular risk factors are normally associated with cerebrovascular disease, which may lead to vascular dementia (VaD). Several recent studies suggest that there is increased risk of developing Alzheimer disease when exposed t o these same vascular risk factors. Ln addition to old age, hypertension, p eripheral arterial disease, certain types of cardiovascular disorders, diab etes mellitus, and smoking are now considered risk factors for late-onset A lzheimer disease. In this review, we examine several vascular Factors and p eripheral vascular pathophysiology implicated in Alzheimer disease and sugg est certain mechanisms that might promote the association of vascular facto rs and late-onset Alzheimer disease. We support the implication that preven tion or management of peripheral vascular disease may prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer disease or mixed dementia.