Plain English Summary

Dr James Scott and colleagues from Imperial College London will investigate how factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease also increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease potentially by damaging the blood brain barrier. The blood brain barrier is a lining of endothelial cells that fit tightly together, forming a barrier between the circulating blood and the brain. It protects the brain from toxins in the blood and maintains a constant brain environment. The blood brain barrier can be injured by heart disease risk factors, and because the brain needs a good blood supply, this injury can also predispose to Alzheimer’s disease. A gas, nitric oxide, which controls blood flow and inflammation, is thought to be involved in keeping the blood brain barrier healthy. In low amounts, nitric oxide protects the brain, but high levels of nitric oxide can harm the brain. In this research project, the group will investigate if the genetic and environmental risk factors that cause cardiovascular disease also damage the blood brain barrier by disrupting normal nitric oxide signalling. They will test if drugs that seal leaks in the blood brain barrier help to prevent damage to the brain. This group’s research will help develop treatments for injuries to the blood brain barrier which may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.