Our brain is a complex system. It represents a small ~2% of body mass and consumes ~20% of the body energy. The neurons in the brain have limited energy reserve and rely on the blood (vessels) to supply essential nutrients and removal of the metabolic waste(s). The communication between neurons and blood vessels is achieved through processes known as neurovascular coupling. These neurovascular coupling mechanisms get disrupted in the small vessel diseases of the brain, leading to an imbalance in energy supply and clearance of waste. However, we are still learning about the different neurovascular coupling mechanisms, let alone how they get disrupted in the disease states. The overarching goal of our research is to provide a thorough understanding about the neurovascular coupling mechanisms, how they regulate blood flow in the brain (from pial arteries to pial veins) and what goes wrong in the small vessel diseases of the brain. By contributing to this knowledge, we aim to help in improving the therapeutic strategies for treatment of Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (VCID).
Last reviewed on April 09, 2024