The Pulse of Cognition: Investigating Neurovascular Coupling's Role in Cognition and Therapeutic Promise for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Dementia

Abstract

Cognitive decline—including dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease—is a growing global health concern. These neurodegenerative disorders affect approximately 50 million people worldwide. In the United States, nearly two out of three seniors experience some form of cognitive impairment. Since the 1990s, the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment has been rising in the U.S. and is projected to continue increasing for future decades. These alarming trends underscore the urgent need for more effective methods of early detection and treatment that address the physical, emotional, and cognitive needs of affected individuals. Emerging evidence suggests that neurovascular coupling (NVC)—the critical process linking brain activity to dynamic blood flow—plays an essential role in regulating brain energetics and function, and may contribute to cognitive dysfunction when impaired. This review delves into the characteristics of NVC and the neurovascular unit (NVU), examines early detection strategies targeting NVC-related biomarkers, and discusses current and investigational treatments for NVC-associated cognitive disorders.