Evaluation of Peripheral Inflammatory Activity in Different Types of Dementia

Abstract

Aim: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease characterized by pathophysiological processes involving neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and synaptic dysfunction. Vascular dementia (VaD) stands as the second most prevalent form among all dementia types, sharing common pathophysiological mechanisms with AD, such as vascular oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is considered a simple, noninvasive, and widely available clinical marker of inflammation. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential differences between these two different types of dementia in terms of NLR values. Materials and Methods:The data of patients diagnosed with AD or VaD and healthy controls who applied to a University Hospital Neurology outpatient clinic were retrospectively examined, and the groups were analyzed with statistical methods in terms of NLR levels. Results: A total of 39 AD, 32 VaD, and 30 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Hemogram analyses revealed significantly elevated NLR values in both the AD and VaD groups compared to the healthy control group (p = .001, p = .001, respectively). AD and VaD groups demonstrated no significant difference in NLR (p = .787).Additionally, as a result of regression analyses, it was determined that age and NLR were independent variables associated with the presence of dementia. Conclusions:NLR values are at higher levels in AD and VaD patient groups compared to healthy controls. Our results support the role of peripheral inflammation in the pathogenesis of VaD, as in AD. Additional studies are needed on potential inflammatory biomarkers of VaD.