Vascular disorders in relation to brain changes

Project summary

The American Alzheimer’s Association has awarded Erasmus MC researcher Daniel Bos a grant for his research into vascular disorders in relation to brain changes. In his research, Bos will apply new methods to determine to what extent changes in arteriosclerosis (arteriosclerosis) in the blood vessels between the heart and the brain are important for the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Bos works at Erasmus MC as an associate professor and clinical epidemiologist in the departments of Epidemiology and Radiology & Nuclear Medicine.

In previous studies, Bos has already shown a link between arteriosclerosis and brain atrophy, cognitive impairment and dementia. However, the effects of changes in arteriosclerosis over time on brain health and dementia development are still largely unknown. Bos will therefore initially look at the factors under which these changes are brought about and whether these changes also influence the course of changes in the brain and dementia.

Ultimately, the results of this study will help researchers or clinicians estimate a person’s expected risk of dementia and related brain changes, and may even contribute to the development of therapeutic and preventive strategies for dementia.