Outside the Box Thinking on What Might Contribute to Alzheimer's Dementia: The Glycocalyx. The Structure and Function of the Glycocalyx and Its Connection With Blood-Brain Barrier.

David S. Klein, MD FACA FACPM

Mar 54 min read

Dementia can be treated nutritionally in many situations and in many patients — Dementia is one of the most feared aspects of aging. Read below for one of many approaches to reducing the risk of Dementia and reducing the severity of symptoms.

The Missing Link May be the Inner Lining of the Blood Vessel: The Glycocalyx. The Key to Vascular And Gastro-Intestinal Health.

The glycocalyx, a carbohydrate-rich layer lining the luminal surface of endothelial cells, plays a crucial role in vascular health, particularly in maintaining the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and regulating neurovascular function. Increasing evidence is being uncovered that demonstrates the intricate relationship between the Glycocalyx and the development of Alzheimer's Dementia.

Ignorance is not bliss. I am going to highlight interesting concept that might shed light on what factors, diets and diseases may cause dementia.

This is an interesting read, and I hope that you find a little quiet time to check out this article.

Glycocalyx Dysfunction and Cerebral Microcirculation in Alzheimer's Dementia

The glycocalyx regulates endothelial permeability, and its degradation increases vascular permeability, contributing to blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption.
BBB dysfunction is a hallmark of AD, facilitating the infiltration of neurotoxic molecules, immune cells, and inflammatory cytokines that promote neurodegeneration.
Damage to the glycocalyx may be a root cause of Alzheimer's Dementia

Damage to the Glycocalyx can cause Dementia
Amyloid-β (Aβ) Clearance and Glycocalyx Integrity

The glycocalyx aids in Aβ clearance via the vascular system, particularly through perivascular drainage pathways.
Glycocalyx degradation impairs Aβ clearance, leading to increased extracellular accumulation of Aβ plaques, a central pathological feature of AD.

Neuroinflammation and Oxidative Stress

Glycocalyx shedding is associated with endothelial dysfunction and chronic inflammation, both of which contribute to AD progression.
Oxidative stress, a key component of AD pathology, further damages the glycocalyx, exacerbating vascular dysfunction and neuroinflammation.

Role in Cerebral Blood Flow and Neurovascular Coupling

The glycocalyx contributes to endothelial nitric oxide (NO) production, which is vital for vasodilation and cerebral blood flow regulation.
In AD, glycocalyx degradation leads to reduced NO bioavailability, impairing neurovascular coupling and contributing to cognitive decline.

5. Glycocalyx Restoration as a Therapeutic Target

Strategies aimed at protecting or restoring glycocalyx integrity (e.g., heparan sulfate mimetics, long chain hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and endothelial-protective therapies) may mitigate AD-associated vascular dysfunction.
Experimental evidence suggests that sulodexide, albumin, and hyaluronan can help preserve glycocalyx integrity, potentially improving vascular health in AD.

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Conclusion

Glycocalyx integrity is essential for maintaining cerebral microvascular health, BBB function, and amyloid clearance. Its degradation contributes to neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired cerebral perfusion, all of which exacerbate AD pathology. Targeting glycocalyx preservation or restoration presents a promising avenue for therapeutic intervention in Alzheimer's disease.

The glycocalyx is the structure that protects the inner lining of the blood vessels from damage and from leaking. It is not well or generally recognized by most health care practitioners, and few in the general public have ever heard of this.

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