Alzheimer's disease and vascular factors: facts and theories.

Although Alzheimer s disease is classified as a neurodegenerative dementia, in Alzheimer s dementia there is increasing evidence of an association with vascular risk factors and vascular pathology. These observations are supported by epidemiological and pathological studies. Vascular factors may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer s dementia. Further research is needed to explore this relationship. Modification of vascular risk factors could make a significant impact towards prevention and treatment of Alzheimer s disease, which is a distressing and prevalent condition in the community. This article considers the relationship of these vascular risk factors and potential mechanisms associated with the aetiopathogenesis of Alzheimer s dementia.