Cerebral amyloid angiopathy: a narrative review

Abstract

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a cerebrovascular disorder characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) in the walls of cerebral vessels. It is commonly associated with cognitive decline, cerebral hemorrhage, and other neurological pathologies. Despite its prevalence and impact, there are currently no approved treatments for CAA. CAA frequently co-occurs with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but affected patients are often excluded from anti-amyloid therapies due to increased risks of cerebral edema and hemorrhage, underscoring the urgent need for alternative and safe approaches for treating individuals with CAA. Over the years, various animal models have been developed to investigate the pathophysiology of CAA and evaluate potential treatments. Recent studies have demonstrated that certain repurposed drugs, originally approved for other conditions, show promise for treating CAA. Additionally, it has been shown that positive lifestyle changes may benefit vascular health, reduce amyloid burden and neuroinflammation, and improve cognitive resilience in individuals with CAA. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on CAA, its relationship with AD, insights from preclinical and clinical studies, and emerging evidence supporting the potential of drug repurposing and lifestyle modification in managing CAA.