Connectome & Cognitive Decline: Cerebrovascular Disease Link
Uncover a groundbreaking link between cerebrovascular disease (CeVD) and Alzheimer’s, and its profound impact on cognitive decline. New research from the National University of Singapore illuminates how CeVD, affecting blood flow to the brain, accelerates cognitive decline, especially when combined with Alzheimer’s. This study explores a distinct brain connectome phenotype connected to cevd markers and disruptions in brain connectivity. By examining 529 older adults, the research highlights how cerebrovascular disease and Alzheimer’s biomarkers independently contribute to cognitive decline and brain atrophy. The findings, published in “Alzheimer’s & Dementia,” offer crucial insights. Stay informed with News Directory 3. Discover what’s next as researchers explore how this CeVD-related brain pattern can aid in more precise predictions of cognitive decline.
Cerebrovascular disease and Alzheimer’s linked to cognitive decline
Updated June 14, 2025
Singapore—New research from the National University of Singapore (NUS) Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine indicates that cerebrovascular disease (CeVD) significantly impacts brain function and accelerates cognitive decline in older adults, especially when combined with Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
The study, led by Associate Professor Juan Helen Zhou, examined 529 older adults, from those with healthy cognitive function to those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Researchers identified a distinct brain functional connectome phenotype associated with multiple CeVD markers. This phenotype, related to disruptions in brain connectivity, contributes to cognitive decline and neurodegeneration alongside Alzheimer’s pathology.
CeVD encompasses conditions affecting blood vessels and blood flow in the brain, including stroke and cerebral atherosclerosis. These conditions disrupt oxygen and nutrient delivery, leading to potential brain damage.
The research, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, revealed that a blood-based biomarker for AD, known as p-tau181, and the CeVD-related functional connectome phenotype have divergent effects on cognitive decline and brain atrophy. While both contribute to these issues, they appear to influence neurodegeneration through different pathways, researchers found.
Dr.Joanna Su Xian Chong, senior research fellow, noted the study showed how multiple CeVD markers collectively influence brain function. The combination of this CeVD-linked pattern and plasma p-tau181 independently contributes to cognitive decline and brain atrophy over time.
“We discovered that a CeVD-related brain network phenotype, along with a key Alzheimer’s disease blood biomarker, can provide powerful insights into the future trajectory of cognitive decline and neurodegeneration,” A/Prof Zhou said.
What’s next
The research team plans to investigate how the severity, cause, and location of CeVD markers affect the brain dialog pattern throughout the disease’s progression. They also aim to determine if these brain network features can serve as reliable biomarkers for monitoring cognitive decline, potentially offering more precise predictions than conventional imaging methods.