Neurovascular Dysfunction and Blood–Brain Barrier Breakdown in Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the most common type of dementia. While amyloid-β plaques and tau tangles are well-recognized hallmarks, mounting evidence shows that neurovascular dysfunction and blood–brain barrier (BBB) breakdown are early and central contributors to AD pathogenesis. BBB disruption compromises amyloid clearance, promotes tau pathology, and exacerbates oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, ultimately driving synaptic dysfunction and cognitive decline. The neurovascular units, including endothelial cells, astrocytes, and pericytes, play a crucial role in maintaining vascular and neuronal health; however, their dysfunction is often overlooked in therapeutic development. Targeting vascular dysfunction may therefore provide a novel opportunity for biomarker discovery and therapeutic intervention in AD.This Research Topic aims to highlight the central role of neurovascular dysfunction and BBB breakdown in Alzheimer’s disease, bridging mechanistic insights with translational applications. We seek contributions that address the interplay between vascular dysfunction, protein aggregation, mitochondrial stress, and neuroinflammation, while emphasizing opportunities for biomarker development and therapeutic targeting. Submissions may include molecular and cellular studies, in vivo and in vitro models, biomarker discovery, advanced imaging, and translational approaches to restore BBB integrity. Reviews and perspectives synthesizing emerging therapeutic strategies, including pharmacological interventions, nanomedicine, and drug repurposing, are also encouraged. By consolidating findings across preclinical and clinical research, this collection aims to establish neurovascular dysfunction as a critical driver of AD and to inspire innovative therapeutic approaches.We welcome Original Research articles, Review articles, Mini Reviews, Systematic Reviews, Perspectives, Brief Research Reports, Case Reports, Clinical Trials, Data Reports, Editorials, General Commentaries, Hypothesis and Theory papers, and Methods articles addressing:• Mechanisms of neurovascular dysfunction and BBB breakdown in AD.• Crosstalk between BBB impairment, amyloid-β clearance, and tau pathology.• Roles of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation in vascular damage.• Imaging and fluid biomarkers of BBB disruption in AD.• Pharmacological, lifestyle, and nanomedicine-based interventions to restore vascular integrity.• Translational and clinical perspectives on targeting the neurovascular unit. We encourage multidisciplinary contributions bridging neuroscience, vascular biology, pharmacology, and translational medicine to expand therapeutic horizons in Alzheimer’s disease. Topic editors: Amer Al Khalifa, Enrique Estudillo Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80760/neurovascular-dysfunction-and-blood-brain-barrier-breakdown-in-alzheimers-disease