The role of neurovascular unit damage in the occurrence and development of Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease with progressive cognitive impairment. It is the most common type of senile dementia, accounting for 65%-70% of senile dementia [Alzheimer's Association (2016). 2016 Alzheimer's disease facts and figures. Alzheimers Dement. 12, 459-509]. At present, the pathogenesis of AD is still unclear. It is considered that β-amyloid deposition, abnormal phosphorylation of tau protein, and neurofibrillary tangles are the basic pathological changes of AD. However, the role of neurovascular unit damage in the pathogenesis of AD has been attracting more and more attention in recent years. The composition of neurovascular unit and the role of neurovascular unit damage in the occurrence and development of AD were reviewed in this paper.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease (AD); blood–brain barrier (BBB); neurovascular unit.