Scientists from the University of Vermont have found that a disruption in the balance of one component of cell membranes may underlie vascular dementia associated with impaired cerebral blood flow. The results of the preclinical study were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

The research focused on the phospholipid PIP₂, a molecule that is part of cell membranes. Such molecules not only form the cell’s outer structure but also regulate the function of proteins embedded within it. The researchers showed that PIP₂ influences the protein Piezo1, which is located in the cells lining blood vessel walls in the brain.

Piezo1 is a mechanosensitive ion channel. It responds to blood pressure and helps blood vessels adapt to changes in blood flow. Under normal conditions, PIP₂ restrains the activity of Piezo1. However, when levels of this phospholipid decline, the channel becomes excessively active, disrupting the regulation of cerebral blood supply.

Such disturbances are characteristic of vascular dementia and are also commonly observed in Alzheimer’s disease. In experiments on mice, artificially increasing PIP₂ production restored normal Piezo1 function and improved blood flow to the brain.

The authors believe their findings point to a new therapeutic strategy. Instead of targeting nerve cells directly, the approach would focus on correcting the function of blood vessels that supply the brain with oxygen and nutrients.

The researchers emphasize that the study has so far been conducted only in a preclinical model. Nevertheless, it opens the door to the development of drugs aimed at restoring membrane balance and improving cerebral blood flow in dementia and other neurovascular disorders.