ARUK 2022 | Investigating neurovascular function in comorbid Alzheimer’s disease and atherosclerosis

Neurovascular coupling (NVC) is an important mechanism whereby changes in cerebral hemodynamics accompany localized neuronal activity to facilitate the metabolic demands neurons exert. The breakdown of NVC is thought to be an important pathological mechanism in the onset and progression of dementia and stroke. Beth Eyre, PhD student, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK, discusses an investigation into neurovascular function in preclinical models of Alzheimer’s disease and atherosclerosis. Preliminary data has shown that neurovascular function is impaired in mouse models of atherosclerosis, but not in Alzheimer’s or in mixed models of both conditions together. Studies are ongoing to understand how neural responses are impacted, to get a better understanding of changes in NVC in these models. This interview took place at the Alzheimer’s Research UK Conference 2022 in Brighton, UK.