Causal relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular disease: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis

Abstract

Observational studies suggest that cardiovascular disease (CVD) increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the causal relationship between the two is not clear. This study applied a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization method to explore the causal relationship between CVD and AD. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from 46 datasets of European populations (21,982 cases of AD and 41,944 controls) were utilized to obtain genetic instrumental variables for AD. In addition, genetic instrumental variables for atrial fibrillation (AF), heart failure (HF), myocardial infarction (MI), coronary heart disease (CHD), angina pectoris (AP), and ischemic stroke (IS) (including large-artery atherosclerotic stroke [LAS] and cardioembolic stroke [CES]) were selected from GWAS data of European populations ( P < 5E-8). The inverse variance weighting method was employed as the major Mendelian randomization analysis method. Genetically predicted AD odds ratios (OR) (1.06) (95% CI: 1.02–1.10, P = 0.003) were linked to higher AP analysis. A higher genetically predicted OR for CES (0.9) (95% CI 0.82–0.99, P = 0.02) was linked to a decreased AD risk. This Mendelian randomized study identified AD as a risk factor for AP. In addition, CES was related to a reduced incidence of AD. Therefore, these modifiable risk factors are crucial targets for preventing and treating AD.

Causal effects for neurodegenerative diseases on the risk of myocardial infarction: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study

“…For Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Myocardial Infarction (MI), we have identified a causal relationship between them, aligning with the findings of previous studies [ 36 ]. AD, the most prevalent irreversible neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), is characterized by neuronal degeneration, loss of neurons, brain atrophy, senile plaques (SP), and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) [ 37 ].…”

Quercetin Inhibits Neuronal Pyroptosis and Ferroptosis by Modulating Microglial M1/M2 Polarization in Atherosclerosis

“…1,2 Alzheimer's disease (AD), the major cause of dementia worldwide, shares many common risk factors with CVD in the same group of participants. 3 A correlation was observed between the severity of atherosclerotic lesions and AD progression, strengthening the notion that CVD is a key risk factor for AD development. Importantly, inflammation is a common pathophysiological characteristic of atherosclerosis (AS) and neurodegenerative disease.…”

“…With the aggravation of global population aging, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and neurodegenerative diseases are seriously threatening human health. Epidemiological, genetic, and clinical data revealed a consistent association between CVD and dementia. , Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the major cause of dementia worldwide, shares many common risk factors with CVD in the same group of participants . A correlation was observed between the severity of atherosclerotic lesions and AD progression, strengthening the notion that CVD is a key risk factor for AD development.…”