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Contributions of Aging to Cerebral Small Vessel Disease
Book chapter   Peer reviewed

Contributions of Aging to Cerebral Small Vessel Disease

T. Michael De Silva and Frank M. Faraci
Annual review of physiology, pp.275-295
Annual Review of Physiology, Annual Reviews
01/01/2020
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-021119-034338
PMCID: PMC7223478
PMID: 31618600
url
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/7223478View
Open Access

Abstract

Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is characterized by changes in the pial and parenchymal microcirculations. SVD produces reductions in cerebral blood flow and impaired blood-brain barrier function, which are leading contributors to age-related reductions in brain health. End-organ effects are diverse, resulting in both cognitive and noncognitive deficits. Underlying phenotypes and mechanisms are multifactorial, with no specific treatments at this time. Despite consequences that are already considerable, the impact of SVD is predicted to increase substantially with the growing aging population. In the face of this health challenge, the basic biology, pathogenesis, and determinants of SVD are poorly defined. This review summarizes recent progress and concepts in this area, highlighting key findings and some major unanswered questions. We focus on phenotypes and mechanisms that underlie microvascular aging, the greatest risk factor for cerebrovascular disease and its subsequent effects.
Life Sciences & Biomedicine Physiology Science & Technology

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