Researchers from Lancaster University have discovered that Huntington’s disease not only affects nerve cells in the brain but also has widespread effects on microscopic blood vessels. The changes in the vasculature were observed even in the pre-symptomatic stages of the disease, providing potential for predicting brain health and evaluating lifestyle changes or treatments. The study, published in Brain Communications, investigated the coordination between neuronal activity and brain oxygenation in Huntington’s disease. By using non-invasive measurement techniques, researchers assessed the efficiency of the neurovascular unit by analyzing the power and phase coherence of various rhythms related to brain function and cardiovascular systems. This research could lead to new treatments targeting the vasculature and brain metabolism in neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington’s.
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