Another exciting area of research focuses on the relationship between vascular factors and Alzheimer’s. Researchers have long observed that individuals with known cardiovascular risk factors appear to have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s. In addition, recent epidemiological studies suggest that people taking statins, a class of drugs prescribed to lower blood cholesterol levels, may have a lower-than-usual risk of Alzheimer’s. Another study hints that elevated blood levels of the protein building block homocysteine-known to be a risk factor for heart disease-may also increase Alzheimer's risk. Further, one form of the gene that codes the cholesterol-carrying protein apolipoprotein E (ApoE), called APOE-e4, is a known risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer’s. These lines of evidence all support a link between cardiovascular risk factors and Alzheimer’s.

The first clinical trial designed to test the effects of statins is under way as ongoing basic research seeks to clarify the biological links between vascular disease and Alzheimer’s. To encourage such investigations, the Association designated vascular factors in Alzheimer’s as a focus of the 2002 grants program. Confirming and clarifying a vascular/Alzheimer connection raises the exciting possibility that well established strategies for reducing the risk of heart disease-such as exercising, avoiding smoking, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels-may also have value in preventing Alzheimer’s Disease.