Involvement of single nucleotide polymorphisms of junction adhesion molecule with small vessel vascular dementia.

Objectives: It is now recognized that blood brain barrier (BBB) leakage occurs in cerebral small vascular disease (CSVD) and plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of vascular dementia. We hypothesized that genetic polymorphisms of junctional adhesion molecule-A (JAM-A) (which may result in compromised structure of tight junction proteins that form the BBB) in combination with cerebrovascular risk factors hypertension, lipid disorders, and type 2 diabetes may result in BBB leakage and increase the individual's risk of CSVD-related dementia.

Methods: In this case-control study, 97 controls with a mean Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) score of 29 and 38 CSVD-related vascular dementia participants (mean MMSE score of 19) were recruited.

Delirium post-stroke: short- to long-term effect on anxiety and depression compared to effect on cognition.

Background Delirium is common after stroke and has significant negative impact on mortality, morbidity, cognitive function, and institutionalization. Despite these known effects, any impact of delirium on the emotional well-being of stroke survivors is unclear. Methods A post hoc analysis was performed on our prospective cohort study of 156 stroke patients.

Association of genetic polymorphisms of claudin-1 with small vessel vascular dementia.

The most recent hypothesis of the development of small vessel vascular dementia (VaD) emphasises the role of blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction. It is hypothesised that certain genetic polymorphisms of the BBB tight junction claudin-1 protein, in combination with adverse environmental risk factors, increase the risk of BBB dysfunction and small vessel VaD. In this case-control study, 97 control participants, with a mean Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) score of 29.

Genetic and environmental factors in vascular dementia: an update of blood brain barrier dysfunction.

Vascular dementia (VaD) describes a combination of both cognitive and behavioural manifestations associated with variable brain lesions of vascular origin. While vascular risk factors have been implicated in VaD, the relationship is most evident when the factors are considered together and not individually. This review will examine the significance of the integrity of blood brain barrier (BBB) tight junction (TJ) proteins - occludin and claudins in the pathophysiology of VaD.