Biomarkers of vascular dysfunction and cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer’s disease: no evidence for association in elderly subjects

Abstract : Background Several studies have suggested that vascular dysfunction plays an important role in Alzheimer’s disease. Aims We hypothesized that significant differences might be observed in the levels of blood endothelial biomarkers across elderly population of subjects with dementia. Methods We analyzed, in a prospective monocentric study, three different endothelial biomarkers, endothelial microparticles (EMPs), endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and circulating endothelial cells (CECs) in 132 older patients who underwent a full evaluation of a memory complaint. Results There was no difference in specific EMP, EPC or CEC levels between demented or non-demented patients, nor considering cognitive decline. Discussion Blood endothelial biomarkers may be too sensitive and it is likely that the multimorbidity observed in our patients may lead to opposite and confounding effects on endothelial biomarkers levels. Conclusion Unlike younger AD patients, our results suggest that endothelial biomarkers are not valuable for the diagnosis of dementia in elderly patients