The Silent Threat: How Brain Blood Flow Could Hold the Key to Early Alzheimer’s Detection
For decades, Alzheimer’s disease research has focused intensely on amyloid plaques and tau tangles – the hallmark proteins that accumulate in the brains of those affected. But a growing body of evidence suggests a critical, often overlooked player: the brain’s vascular system. New research from the Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute (Stevens INI) at the Keck School of Medicine of USC reveals a compelling link between subtle shifts in brain blood flow, oxygen delivery, and the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
Beyond Plaques and Tangles: A Vascular Perspective
The study, published in Alzheimer’s and Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, examined older adults with varying degrees of cognitive function. Researchers discovered that noninvasive measurements of brain blood flow and oxygen levels correlated with amyloid plaque buildup and shrinkage in the hippocampus – a brain region vital for memory. This suggests that compromised vascular health may not just be a consequence of Alzheimer’s, but a potential contributing factor in its development.
“Amyloid and tau are often considered the primary players in Alzheimer’s disease, but blood flow and oxygen delivery are also critical,” explains Amaryllis A. Tsiknia, lead author of the study and a USC PhD candidate. “Our results show that when the brain’s vascular system functions more like it does in healthy aging, we also see brain features that are linked to better cognitive health.”
Simple Scans, Powerful Insights
What makes this research particularly promising is the simplicity of the diagnostic tools used. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound measures blood flow velocity in major brain arteries, while near-infrared spectroscopy assesses oxygen levels in brain tissue. These techniques are painless, non-invasive, and don’t require radiation or injections – a significant advantage over traditional MRI and PET scans.
Researchers combined the data from these scans using advanced mathematical modeling to create indicators of cerebrovascular function. These indicators revealed that participants with healthier vascular systems tended to have lower amyloid levels and larger hippocampi, both indicators of reduced Alzheimer’s risk.
The Potential for Early Screening and Prevention
The implications of these findings are far-reaching. If validated by further research, these noninvasive techniques could pave the way for large-scale screening programs to identify individuals at risk of Alzheimer’s *before* noticeable symptoms appear. This early detection could be crucial for implementing preventative strategies, such as lifestyle modifications focused on cardiovascular health.
“These vascular measures are capturing something meaningful about brain health,” says Meredith N. Braskie, PhD, senior author of the study and assistant professor of neurology at the Keck School of Medicine. “They appear to align with what we see on MRI and PET scans, providing important information about how vascular health and standard brain measures of Alzheimer’s disease risk may be related.”
The Fork It Fund and Alzheimer’s Research
Efforts to advance Alzheimer’s research are gaining momentum through initiatives like the Fork It Fund, created by Daryl and Irwin Simon in collaboration with Stacy Polley and the Alzheimer’s Association. In 2025, the Fork It Fund awarded $1 million to support a major initiative at the Stevens INI, focusing on the Global Alzheimer’s Association Interactive Network (GAAIN) – a global data-sharing platform designed to accelerate scientific discovery.
Future Trends: Personalized Vascular Brain Health
Looking ahead, the future of Alzheimer’s prevention may lie in personalized approaches to vascular brain health. Imagine a scenario where individuals receive regular vascular assessments alongside genetic testing and cognitive evaluations. Based on these results, tailored interventions – including diet, exercise, and potentially even targeted therapies – could be implemented to optimize blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain.
Ongoing long-term studies are crucial to determine whether changes in these vascular measures can predict cognitive decline and response to treatment. If successful, this could revolutionize how we approach Alzheimer’s, shifting the focus from treating symptoms to preventing the disease altogether.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are amyloid plaques and tau tangles still important in Alzheimer’s research?
A: Yes, amyloid plaques and tau tangles remain critical areas of study. However, this research highlights the importance of considering vascular health as an additional, potentially modifiable risk factor.
Q: How often would these vascular scans need to be performed?
A: The optimal frequency is still under investigation. Ongoing studies will help determine how often monitoring is needed to track changes and predict risk.
Q: Are there lifestyle changes I can make to improve my brain’s vascular health?
A: Yes! Maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, managing blood pressure and cholesterol, and avoiding smoking are all beneficial for cardiovascular health and, by extension, brain vascular health.
Q: What is the GAAIN platform?
A: The Global Alzheimer’s Association Interactive Network (GAAIN) is a global data-sharing platform created at the Stevens INI to accelerate scientific discovery by making critical research data more accessible worldwide.
Did you know? The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that more than 7 million people in the U.S. Are living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Pro Tip: Prioritize a heart-healthy lifestyle. What’s good for your heart is good for your brain!
Want to learn more about Alzheimer’s research and prevention? Visit the Alzheimer’s Association website to explore resources and support programs.
