The relation between vascular risk factors and neuropathologic markers

 
   Lead Investigator:    Yu-Tung Lan
   Institution      :    Harvard School of Public Health
   E-Mail           :    yutunglan@hsph.harvard.edu
   Proposal ID      :    1378



   Proposal Description:
   The goal of this study is to examine the relationship between vascular risk factors and neuropathological markers including white matter hyperintensity on MRI. We hypothesize that vascular diseases may contribute to the risk of dementia by causing cerebral vascular lesions, which can be identified through brain imaging and neuropathological markers. The results of this study could provide further knowledge about the role of vascular risk factors in the etiology of cerebral vascular pathology.    Our primary exposure is a composite score of vascular risk factors, including HDL, total cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, blood pressure after medication, smoking status, and diabetes. Our primary outcome is the volume of white matter hyperintensity on MRI and pathological markers on autopsy.