Aging, Cerebrovascular Burden, and Cognitive Decline

Abstract

Brain function is supported by the cerebrovascular system, and changes in vascular phenotype and function through aging process make the brain more susceptible to neurodegenerative diseases, particularly cognitive decline. Correspondingly, the incidence of dementia and the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases have also increased. In aging, the vessels have been exposed to the inflammatory state by harmful factors referred to as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Aging is a complex process that is associated with accumulated cellular stresses and an increased stress response. The aging in the brain includes structural and functional changes, which cause brain pathologies in the elderly. Particularly, damaged neurovascular event can be a consequent trigger in the pathology of vascular cognitive impairment. This chapter introduces the current knowledge on cognitive decline according to cerebrovascular aging relevant to endothelial senescence and the changes in the SASPs.