Vascular Impairment, Muscle Atrophy, and Cognitive Decline: Critical Age-Related Conditions
Enzo Pereira de Lima,
Masaru Tanaka,
Caroline Barbalho Lamas,
Karina Quesada,
Claudia Rucco P. Detregiachi,
Adriano Cressoni Araújo,
Elen Landgraf Guiguer,
Virgínia Maria Cavallari Strozze Catharin,
Marcela Vialogo Marques de Castro,
Edgar Baldi Junior,
Marcelo Dib Bechara,
Bruna Fidencio Rahal Ferraz,
Vitor Cavallari Strozze Catharin,
Lucas Fornari Laurindo,
Sandra Maria Barbalho
Affiliations
Enzo Pereira de Lima
Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil
Masaru Tanaka
HUN-REN-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Danube Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Hungarian Research Network, University of Szeged (HUN-REN-SZTE), Tisza Lajos Krt. 113, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
Caroline Barbalho Lamas
Department of Gerontology, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, UFSCar, São Carlos 13565-905, SP, Brazil
Karina Quesada
Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil
Claudia Rucco P. Detregiachi
Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil
Adriano Cressoni Araújo
Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil
Elen Landgraf Guiguer
Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil
Virgínia Maria Cavallari Strozze Catharin
Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil
Marcela Vialogo Marques de Castro
Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil
Edgar Baldi Junior
Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil
Marcelo Dib Bechara
Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil
Bruna Fidencio Rahal Ferraz
Department of Odontology, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil
Vitor Cavallari Strozze Catharin
Research Coordination, UNIMAR Charity Hospital (HBU), University of Marília (UNIMAR), Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil
Lucas Fornari Laurindo
Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina de Marília (FAMEMA), Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil
Sandra Maria Barbalho
Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil
The triad of vascular impairment, muscle atrophy, and cognitive decline represents critical age-related conditions that significantly impact health. Vascular impairment disrupts blood flow, precipitating the muscle mass reduction seen in sarcopenia and the decline in neuronal function characteristic of neurodegeneration. Our limited understanding of the intricate relationships within this triad hinders accurate diagnosis and effective treatment strategies. This review analyzes the interrelated mechanisms that contribute to these conditions, with a specific focus on oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and impaired nutrient delivery. The aim is to understand the common pathways involved and to suggest comprehensive therapeutic approaches. Vascular dysfunctions hinder the circulation of blood and the transportation of nutrients, resulting in sarcopenia characterized by muscle atrophy and weakness. Vascular dysfunction and sarcopenia have a negative impact on physical function and quality of life. Neurodegenerative diseases exhibit comparable pathophysiological mechanisms that affect cognitive and motor functions. Preventive and therapeutic approaches encompass lifestyle adjustments, addressing oxidative stress, inflammation, and integrated therapies that focus on improving vascular and muscular well-being. Better understanding of these links can refine therapeutic strategies and yield better patient outcomes. This study emphasizes the complex interplay between vascular dysfunction, muscle degeneration, and cognitive decline, highlighting the necessity for multidisciplinary treatment approaches. Advances in this domain promise improved diagnostic accuracy, more effective therapeutic options, and enhanced preventive measures, all contributing to a higher quality of life for the elderly population.
