The pathophysiology of mixed Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia

Abstract

Mixed dementia is caused most often by the coexistence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) pathologies. This disease presents challenges due to its complex, dual pathology. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the pathophysiology of AD and VaD, with a particular emphasis on vascular factors that accelerate or exacerbate AD pathology. We then describe animal models, in vitro cell culture systems, and brain organoid models that have been developed or are currently being developed to elucidate the neurodegenerative and vascular components of MD. This review provides an evaluation of the panorama of factors that influence MD pathophysiology and how basic science models can incorporate these factors to advance the knowledge related to the mechanisms of the disease and guide the screening of novel therapeutic approaches.