A collaborative framework for uncovering molecular and cellular drivers of VCID: Foundations for future interventions in dementia

Abstract

Vascular‐related factors are now considered major contributors to most forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. However, the degree to which vascular deficits contribute to risk, onset, and progression of cognitive impairment and dementia has only recently been appreciated. Our understanding of the mechanisms by which vascular deficits drive cognitive decline in dementia is still limited. Further, the testing of therapeutic approaches to prevent vascular deficits to treat dementia are few. These factors motivated the establishment of the Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (VCID) Center Without Walls (CWOW) network, comprising institutes across the United States. We describe the current gaps and opportunities, and how, in collaboration with other relevant groups, the VCID CWOW network is aiming to tackle the major unmet need of developing improved therapeutic approaches targeting vascular deficits to treat dementia.