Total Tau Protein Mediates the Association of Ischemic Cerebrovascular Disease with Cognitive Decline

• DOI: 10.3233/jad-231093
• Publication Date: 2024-04-02T18:00:29Z
• Authors: Shuang-Ling Han; Ya-Nan Ou; Bao-Lin Han; Hai-Hua Guo; Hao-Chen Chi; Yi-Ming Huang; Hui-Fu Wang; Lan Tan
• Keywords: Montreal Cognitive Assessment; Cognitive Decline; Stroke; Mini–Mental State Examination

Background: Patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke demonstrate an increased risk of cognitive dysfunction. Accumulating evidence indicates that cerebrovascular disease (ICVD) may interact the amyloid/tau/neurodegeneration (AT[N]) biomarkers to promote dementia. However, precise pathological mechanisms remain be fully characterized. Objective: To elucidate interrelationships among ICVD, ATN in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and cognition. Methods: A total 2524 participants were recruited from CABLE study. ICVD referred TIA/ischemic stroke. Cognitive performance was assessed by China Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (CM-MMSE) Montreal Assessment-b (MoCA-b). Multivariate linear regression analyses performed evaluate associations CSF Causal mediation used identify whether association mediated biomarkers. Results: associated higher total-tau (t-tau) (p = 2.828×10–2) poorer cognition (CM-MMSE: p 1.539×10–5, MoCA-b: 4.552×10–6). Additionally, no discernible correlation surfaced between amyloid-β (Aβ) 42 6.910×10–1) phosphorylated tau (p-tau) 4.324×10–1). The influence on function partially t-tau proportion: 2.74%, 2.51%). Subgroup revealed influences especially evident male 5.45%, 5.38%) mid-life group 9.83%, 5.31%). Conclusions: These results delineated as a potential mediator for Targeting brain ischemia alleviating neuronal injury induced promising approach preventing decline.