The Brain's Vasculature: Key to Brain Health
This is why we at BrainKey, work so hard to quantify the vasculature.
Did you know the brain accounts for just 2% of our body weight but consumes 20% of our energy?
The brain's vasculature plays three critical roles in keeping us healthy and sharp:
1: Energy Delivery
The brain’s vasculature powers the brain. The brain relies on a constant supply of oxygen and glucose through its vast network of blood vessels. Without it, even brief disruptions (like during a stroke) can lead to severe damage.
2: Protection
The brain’s vasculature powers the blood brain barrier prevents harmful substances from reaching our brain while allowing essential nutrients to pass through. As we age, maintaining the integrity of the BBB becomes even more important for brain health.
3: Waste Removal
Our brain’s vasculature powers the clearance of harmful waste products (like amyloid-beta and tau proteins) through perivascular spaces. Sleep plays a vital role in optimizing this process.
The brain’s vasculature is a lifeline that supports brain longevity and prevents cognitive decline.
Takeaway: Maintaining vascular health is crucial to brain health and preventing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
BrainKey is working hard to quantify the brain’s vasculature on an individual patient level.
Review on Brain Power: “https://lnkd.in/evfSAx48
Another review: Paying the brain's energy bill
Interesting paper linking communications between vessels and neurons: Neural metabolic imbalance induced by MOF dysfunction triggers pericyte activation and breakdown of vasculature “https://lnkd.in/es5-Rf2U
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