Busting brain blood flow barriers in neurodegenerative diseases

While the brain is vastly complex, there is still much more to explore and understand about this organ and neurodegenerative diseases that can occur. The adequate flow of blood to and from the brain is vital for the proper functioning of our bodies and minds. Via a network of capillary vessels in our bodies, tissues and organs

(including the brain) are supplied with oxygen and nutrients.

But when blood flow is blocked for any reason, such as a building up of white blood cells, certain neurodegenerative diseases can seem to simultaneously arise. Could reduced blood flow play a role in the onset of these diseases?

At the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering at Cornell University, Oliver Bracko, PhD student Nancy Ruiz and colleagues investigate the important role that brain blood flow plays in the context of neurodegenerative conditions, such as dementia - which affects around 50 million worldwide.

Top, right: 3D rendering of blood vessels of the brain. Directly right: Cortical brains section, Astrocytes (green), Microglia (red), amyloid-beta plaques. All: © Oliver Bracko. All rights reserved.