International project to determine vascular contribution to neurodegeneration begins

18 April 2012

Congratulations to UCL Institute of Neurology scientists, Dr David Werring and Professor Nick Fox, who are part of an international team of scientists that has recently been awarded funding from the Centres of Excellence in Neurodegeneration (CoEN) to study how vascular disease contributes to neurodegenerative disease. The project, titled Standards for Determining the Vascular Contribution to Neurodegeneration, aims to create a common, albeit expert set of definitions and terminology to describe neuroimaging findings related to diseases affecting brain small vessels. These diseases, including hypertensive arteriopathy and cerebral amyloid angiopathy, are among the commonest to affect the brain and are key causes of stroke and dementia.

Dr Werring commented: “ Vascular pathology – especially processes affecting cerebral small vessels - is now emerging as a key contributor to cognitive impairment in later life, yet has until recently been largely neglected in the field of dementia research. This impressive international effort will bring a much-needed boost to research into links between cerebral small vessel disease and neurodegeneration, which could potentially create new strategies for treatment and prevention of this major healthcare challenge.”