New insights into microangiopathy: Focus on gender differences

New insights into microangiopathy: Focus on gender differences

research in medicine show that there are significant differences between men and women with regard to the effects of brain diseases, as a study by the Medical University of Graz shows. This knowledge is not only new, but could have a decisive impact on future treatment approaches.

Cerebral microangiopathy, also known as Small Vessel Disease (SVD), is an illness that damages the smallest blood vessels in the brain. This not only has acute consequences, such as strokes, but can also reduce the quality of life considerably in old age, since it also increases dementia risks in addition to acute events. Styria, more precisely Graz, was the focus of this impressive international study.

insight into the study

Research around SVD proved to be particularly revealing because more than 20,000 patient data were analyzed. These data come from 38 different studies worldwide and were supplemented by MRI images to identify typical damage caused by the disease. Dr. Thomas Gattringer, head of the research unit "Pathomechanisms of the stroke", explains: "All patients had an ischemic stroke, resulting from a constipation of a brain vessel."

It was found that men suffer more often from micro bleeding, while women have increased damage in the white substance of the brain. These so-called "bright spots" in MRI images are indicators of chronic circulatory disorders. It is also frightening that micro bleeding in women with a higher risk of fatal consequences are associated, while this is not the same in male patients.

The importance of these results

The research results offer a valuable indication of future medical practice. Simon Fandler-Höfler emphasizes that these gender-specific differences can create a deep understanding of the various mechanisms of brain diseases. Such knowledge could develop targeted therapies in the future that are tailored to the specific needs of male and female patients.

The coming years could be decisively shaped by this research, in particular with regard to the treatment of hirer diseases. In view of the fact that SVD makes up around 20 percent of the strokes caused by blood clots, the need for preventive and therapeutic measures is greater than ever. With the newly gained knowledge, new ways could be followed in medicine to reduce the risk of strokes and other health consequences of this disease.

This important study was recently published in the Jama Network Open journal and contributes to creating the basics for a differentiated view of brain diseases by gender. Comprehensive further information on this topic is in find.