The Possible Associations between Tauopathies and Atherosclerosis, Diabetes Mellitus, Dyslipidemias, Metabolic Syndrome and Niemann-Pick Disease

Abstract

Clinical evaluation and treatment of tauopathic syndromes remain a challenge. There is a growing interest in theories concerning their possible associations with metabolic diseases. The possible connection between those diseases might be linked with cerebrovascular dysfunction. The endothelial cell damage and impairment of the blood-brain barrier observed in atherosclerosis or diabetes may play a role in contributing to tauopathic syndrome development. Additionally, the inflammation evoked by pathological metabolic changes may also be involved in this process. Multiple cases indicate the coexistence of metabolic disorders and tauopathic syndromes. These findings suggest that modifying the evolution of metabolic and cerebrovascular diseases may impact the course of neurodegenerative diseases. Obtained data could indicate the possible benefits of introducing routine carotid artery sonography, revascularization operation or antihypertensive medications among patients at high risk for tauopathies. This review has identified this understudied area, which is currently associated with several diseases for which there is no treatment. Due to the pathomechanisms linking metabolic diseases and tauopathies, further investigation of this area of research, including cohort studies, is recommended and may provide new pharmacological perspectives for treatment.

Keywords: Niemann–Pick disease; atherosclerosis; carotid artery stenosis; diabetes mellitus; dyslipidemias; endothelial dysfunction; metabolic syndrome; tauopathies.

Figure 1

A graphical representation of the relationships between specific tauopathies and their shared classification within broader groups. AD—Alzheimer’s disease; CBD—corticobasal degeneration; FTD—frontotemporal dementia; PSP—progressive supranuclear palsy. The relationships depicted in the figure illustrate the intricate nomenclature associated with tauopathic disorders. While certain tauopathies are classified as forms of dementia, it is noteworthy that PSP and CBD do not fall within this category.

Figure 2

The possible associations between carotid artery stenosis and Alzheimer’s disease. Aβ—amyloid beta. As previously outlined, there are three principal theories pertaining to the mechanisms by which carotid artery stenosis may precipitate the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).